News Release 071

MAKE A POSTER TO HONOR YOUR TAP WATER

Contest entries are due March 17

Volume 36-071

Contact: Renee Bungart

(For immediate release)

573-751-4465

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 14, 2008 -- In recognition and celebration of Drinking Water Week, May 4-10, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the American Water Works Association are holding a poster contest for Missouri fifth graders.

A safe, reliable water supply is critical to the success of any community.  It creates jobs, attracts industry and investment and provides for the health and welfare of citizens in ways ranging from disease prevention to fire suppression.  "We often take water resources for granted unless we are living through a drought or when depleted water supplies threaten a community's future," said Department of Natural Resources Director Doyle Childers.  "Water plays a vital role in our daily lives, and this year we are recognizing the importance of this critical resource."

The Department of Natural Resources would like to encourage fifth grade students to submit a poster in honor of drinking water week.  The poster should convey a message celebrating tap water.  Entries will be judged on three criteria: originality of the artwork, how well the concept is executed, and how well the poster relates to public water supplies.  Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners:  $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. 

Each entry should have the student's name, the teacher's name and the school name, address and telephone number on the back.  Students should also be sure to sign the front of the artwork.  The artwork size can be no larger than 11 by 17 inches. 

Contest entries are due to the Department of Natural Resources and must be postmarked by March 17.  Students or teachers should mail poster entries to Susan Bloomer, Department of Natural Resources, Public Drinking Water Branch, P.O. Box, 176, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0176.  For more information, call Bloomer at 800-361-4827 or 573-526-1825 or visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/wpp/dw-index.htm.

For news releases on the Web, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/newsrel. For a complete listing of the department's upcoming events, meetings and hearings, visit the department's online calendar at www.dnr.mo.gov/calendar/search.do.

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