May 9, 2006

Contact: Ian Michaels (718) 595-6600

PRESS ADVISORY

DEP and KEEP to Honor Winners of Student Water Art & Poetry Contest

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Kensico Environmental Enhancement Program (KEEP) will recognize students whose artwork and poems exhibit a superior understanding and appreciation of the water supply system and water conservation and preservation.  About 150 students, parents, teachers, administrators and invited guests are expected to attend.  Winning entries will be displayed

This contest invited sixth and seventh grade students from schools in the towns that surround the Kensico Reservoir to submit original works of art and poetry that address themes related to New York City water system, the role that the Kensico Reservoir plays in the overall system, and the importance of water conservation and water quality preservation locally and regionally.  Selected reviewers judge entries on their originality, craftsmanship and creativity.

Almost 90 percent of Westchester County's drinking water is supplied by the City water system, with much of it coming from the Kensico Reservoir.