Otay Water District’s Educational Program Promotes Water-Use Efficiency Through Art by Otay Water District Aug 21, 2025 Member Submitted News Five student artists have been named the winners of the Otay Water District’s 2025 “Being Water Wise is…” Student Poster Contest for best illustrating the value of water. The annual contest invites K-12 grade students attending schools in the District’s service area to submit their artwork. “We are grateful for all who participate in our program and help share the many ways to use water wisely, whether at home or outdoors,” said Eileen Salmeron, Otay’s communications assistant and contest coordinator. “We hope our young generation will continue to inspire others to join in the effort in protecting this vital resource.” This year’s high school winner, Zhaoyu Zhai, captivated the judges with his drawing of an alien figure named Adrian taking a short shower, alongside the message “Short Showers Save Water.” Adrian is part of an ongoing character series that he has been developing over the past two years and has applied to other creative projects. “As a parent, we’ve seen how passionate Zhaoyu is about these characters,” said Zhaoyu’s mother Huiyu Li. “His work includes both hand-drawn illustrations and digital pieces that combine drawing with animation and editing. His inspiration often comes from everyday life and his creative imagination.” Although there were no middle school submissions, winners were selected in the kindergarten-third grade, fourth-sixth grade, and high school categories. The District recognized the winners at its Aug. 6 Board of Directors meeting with a gift card, certificate, art kit, and a goody bag. The winners include: Ethan Quintero-Ramos, Second Grade, Olympic View Elementary, First Place, K-Third Grade Category Jacob Irons, First Grade, Discovery Charter Elementary, Second Place, K-Third Grade Category Mila Vega, Fifth Grade, Valle Lindo Elementary, First Place, Fourth-Sixth Grade Category Sophie Coghill, Fifth Grade, Tiffany Elementary, Second Place, Fourth-Sixth Grade Category Zhaoyu Zhai, Ninth Grade, Otay Ranch High School, First Place, High School Category The posters also advanced to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s regional contest, for a chance to be featured in MWD’s 2026 Art Calendar. The winners will be announced later this year. To view details and all winners, visit otaywater.gov/poster-contest-winners-2025. The Otay Water District is a public agency providing water, recycled water, and sewer service to approximately 238,008 customers within approximately 125 square miles of southeastern San Diego County, including the communities of eastern Chula Vista, Bonita, Jamul, Spring Valley, Rancho San Diego, unincorporated areas of El Cajon and La Mesa, and east Otay Mesa along the international border with Mexico. For more information about the Otay Water District, visit otaywater.gov.
