The New Hampshire Drinking Water Festival & Science Fair will take place on May 7, 2025, in Rochester, with a rain date of May 8. Rochester Water played a pivotal role in bringing this event to Rochester!

Originally established in 1991 by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, the festival has grown to include a Water Science Fair and Poetry Contest, engaging hundreds of students every year in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM) concepts related to water conservation and quality.

This free annual event aims to educate students about the importance of clean water through interactive activities, science projects, and creative expression.

Event Highlights:

• Water Festival (Grades 4-5): Hands-on activities exploring water quality, conservation, pollution, and wildlife, aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.
• Water Science Fair (Grades 4-5): Students research, create exhibits, and present findings to a panel of judges. Schools receive guidance on organizing local fairs leading up to the state-level event.
• Poetry Contest (Grades 3-5): Students express their thoughts and feelings about water through poetry, highlighting its significance in their lives.

Is your third, fourth, or fifth grader interested in participating in the Water Poetry Contest? The theme, rules, and submission form are available online. The poetry submission deadline is March 31.  All third through fifth-grade NH students, including homeschoolers, are invited to take part.    

School registration for the Water Festival and Science Fair is closed.

This education event is organized by the New Hampshire Drinking Water Coalition, which includes representatives from the City of Rochester, Concord General Services, Granite State Rural Water Association, Keene Public Works Department, Manchester Water Works, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, New Hampshire Water Pollution Control Association, New Hampshire Water Works Association, Plymouth Village Water and Sewer District, and RCAP Solutions.

For more event details and general inquiries, visit nhwaterfestival.org or contact Lara Hooper at lara.hooper@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-4071.