Calling young creators: Inspire water conservation in our Every Drop Counts video contest

March 27, 2026

By the Valley Water Youth Commission

How would you inspire your community to save water in just 60 seconds? That’s the challenge for middle and high school students in our Every Drop Counts Video Contest.

We are hosting our first-ever video contest for middle and high school students, and the theme is water conservation. Students are invited to grab the mic, show off their creativity, and inspire their community to protect one of our most important resources, water!

Participants will create a 20 to 60 second video focused on water conservation, delivering a fresh, youth-driven message that motivates their generation to take action. Prizes will be awarded to the top three videos in both the middle and high school categories.

The deadline to submit a video is Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Eligibility:

Students who live and attend school in Santa Clara County
Must be currently enrolled in grades 6 through 12

Requirements:

A signed waiver is required for each participating student
- Groups of up to four students may submit one application form and attach individual waivers
Videos must be 20-60 seconds
Accepted formats: MOV or MP4, filmed in vertical format
Submission must be the original work of participants. No copyrighted content is allowed, including music, images, or video clips.
All submissions must be safe, respectful, and appropriate.

How to Participate:

Brainstorm your idea – Create a message of water conservation for your generation. Your face does not have to appear in the video.
Plan and film - Write a quick script, record in vertical format, and make sure your video is clear, easy to hear, and under one minute.
Complete the waiver - If you’re under 18, have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. If you’re 18 or older, you can sign it yourself.
Complete the full application and submit your entry on the contest website.

For more details, please visit the contest website.

If you need support, email us at [email protected].

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. Valley Water effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 285 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 333 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.