OKC students asked to tap into creativity for ‘Fix a Leak’ poster contest

The Utilities Department is calling on local students to tap into their artistic talents for its inaugural water conservation poster contest celebrating “Fix a Leak” week, March 18-24.

Students from kindergarten through sixth grade are encouraged to draw or paint a poster that best represents the importance of using water wisely and the impact of water waste from leaks.

The contest is open to students who attend school in the Oklahoma City water service area, including the Oklahoma City, Putnam City, Bethany and Western Heights school districts, and all other schools served by the Oklahoma City Utilities Department. The deadline for submissions is March 29.

“Water is our most valuable resource, and we want to celebrate it by encouraging students to creatively express how water efficiency is important to them,” said Utilities Department Water Conservation Specialist Malarie Gotcher. “Household leaks can waste more than 10,000 gallons of water every year, adding up to nearly 1 trillion gallons nationally. This contest during ‘Fix a Leak’ week is one way we can bring awareness to the importance of cutting down on water waste.”

First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected from each grade, with all places receiving a certificate of merit. Mayor David Holt will present the first-place winners with their certificates during a special meeting at City Hall in April.

“We really want students to think about how water impacts our lives and create a piece of art that demonstrates the importance of using our water resources wisely,” Gotcher said. 

Official contest rules

The contest is open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade who attend schools served by the Oklahoma City Utilities Department.

Posters must be drawn horizontally (landscape) on 11-inch-by-17-inch white poster paper. Students may use crayon, watercolor, poster paint, markers, ink, cut paper, tissue paper or fabric, but are asked not to use materials that may smear, crack or chip. Students are encouraged to use large lettering, few words, heavy lines, and strong colors. Entries can be made individually or collaboratively.

Only original artwork will be accepted. Computer-generated drawings will not be considered. Reproduction of popular cartoon characters or three-dimensional work will be disqualified.

Posters will not be returned and will remain the property of the City of Oklahoma City Utilities Department, which may reproduce them for promotional purposes.

To enter, students must submit their artwork along with accompanying entry form to: Oklahoma City Utilities, Water Conservation – Poster Contest, 420 W Main Street, Suite 500, Oklahoma City, OK 73102. Entry forms may be found online at squeezeeverydrop.com, and by clicking here. The deadline to enter is March 29, 2019.

The “Fix a Leak” contest is in partnership with OKC Beautiful and WaterSense. For more information, visit squeezeverydrop.com.

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