REGION — The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced the launch of the 29th annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest. Second through 12-grade students attending public, independent, charter or parochial schools (or who are home-schooled) in New York City and in the east and west of Hudson River watersheds are invited to create original art and compose poetry that reflects an appreciation for our shared water resources. Entries will be accepted on-line until March 1, and a ceremony honoring all student participants will take place in May.

“By creating original works of art young New Yorkers are encouraged to think about the environment and express its importance to them and their communities,” said DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd.

The 2015 contest will focus on four central themes:

Water, A Precious Resource: To highlight the importance of the quality of our tap and harbor water.

The New York City Water Supply System: To understand the history of the NYC drinking water system and watershed protection.

The New York City Wastewater Treatment System: To examine how the city cleans nearly 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater every day.

Climate Change and Water Stewardship: To bring attention to our changing climate and the importance of understanding the effects on our water resources.

Visit www.nyc.gov/dep/artandpoetry to view the contest guidelines and resource materials, submit entries online, see past winners, and learn more about New York City water.