HILO, HAWAI‘I – The Department of Water Supply (DWS), County of Hawai‘i, is inviting young artists to showcase their creativity and knowledge by entering its 8th Annual Keiki Water Conservation Poster Contest.
Hawai‘i Island kindergarteners through sixth graders may submit original artwork depicting this year’s theme, “Make Every Drop Count,” by the deadline of Friday, March 13, 2026. This contest challenges keiki to illustrate how using water wisely can help conserve our most precious resource — safe drinking water. Entries will be judged based on creativity, inspiration, and originality.
Water conservation educational resources, including past contest winners, can be found under the “Conservation” link at www.hawaiidws.org.
“This contest is a great way for our keiki to show their artistic skills, and we continue to be amazed by the incredible talent they show each year,” said Mayor Kimo Alameda. “With this year’s theme, we are reminded that even small actions can make a big difference when we do them together, and I encourage all of us to think about how we can do our part to make every drop count.”
Poster contest entries must include a completed entry form, available at www.hawaiidws.org, by emailing dws@hawaiidws.org, or by calling DWS during regular working days at 808-961-8050. Entries should be mailed to DWS in Hilo or dropped off at DWS offices in Hilo, Kona or Waimea by Friday, March 13, 2026. Address locations and contest rules are listed on the entry form and at www.hawaiidws.org.
“We look forward to this every year as we are always so impressed with what our island keiki come up with,” said Manager-Chief Engineer Keith Okamoto. “We can often learn from our youth and look forward to them showing us how to make every drop count through their creative work.”
There is no charge to enter the contest. Gift certificates and other prizes will be awarded to the top three entries from each grade level, as determined by a team of judges.
Founded in 1949, the Department of Water Supply is a semi-autonomous agency of the County of Hawai‘i. The Department’s mission is to provide customers with an adequate and continuous supply of safe drinking water in a financially responsible manner through the operation of its 23 separate public
water systems, which together deliver approximately 25 million gallons of water each day to Hawai‘i Island communities.