By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Students in Hays are learning to “Treasure Our Water” and can even earn rewards for promoting the concept.
Under requirements of Hays’ Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the city is required to provide educational offerings to the community about the value of improving water quality.
The past four years, a water quality poster contest has been offered by the city in partnership with Kansas State University Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds for school children and young adults in grades pre-K through college.
“Everything in the water in Hays drains into Kanopolis Reservoir, a federal water supply,” explained Stacie Minson, KSU Watersheds Specialist, WaKeeney.
“Several years ago, we looked at how we could get young residents engaged and looking at water, how they can conserve it and how they can protect it. That’s how the water poster contest came into play.”
There were 201 entries this year. The artists had to use the “Treasure Our Water” theme as the poster title and explain two important issues about water. Entries were judged on their water conservation/quality message, visual effectiveness, originality, and universal appeal.
“They could focus on water quality, addressing things such as picking up pet waste and knowing how to fertilize lawns correctly. Water conservation could also be used featuring things like water barrels, shutting off the water when you brush your teeth, and knowing when it’s the right time to water the lawn,” Minson told Hays city commissioners last week.
“Our students are picking these things up. They’re eventually going to become the leaders of the city of Hays so it’s important that we engage them.”
Many of the winners were present at Thursday’s commission work session to be recognized and shake hands with the commissioners.
They were rewarded with Chamber Cheques from the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce, good for spending at more than 500 local business members. Creators of the first-place posters also won a food party for their respective classes.
The monies are funded by the city/KSU Watersheds collaboration.
The first year of the contest, the winning posters printed as wall calendars. The winners’ posters in 2016 and 2017 were made into paper placemats and distributed to Hays businesses. The placemats are still available by contacting Minson.
This year’s 201 winning posters will be displayed during the April 27th Hays Arts Council Spring Art Walk, with the location yet to be determined. They will also be displayed at the Ellis County Fair July 14-21.
Minson and Holly Dickman, Hays Water Conservation Specialist, gave a big thanks to Hays teachers for incorporating the contest into their curriculums.
“This would not be possible if the teachers didn’t share this with their students in school and encourage them to participate,” Minson said.
“Several teachers let Holly and me come into their classrooms and present issues tied to water quality and water conservation so the kids have a better understanding.”
Minson then turned to the crowd behind her in the packed commission chambers. “And for you as parents, hopefully they’re bringing those messages home to all of you as well,” she said with a big smile.
A complete list of the contest winners is available by clicking on 2018 Water Poster Entries Summary.