WaterClips Student Video Contest 2026

Hi Students!

We want YOU to create a 30 second video about WATER!  

Students from Tri-City middle schools and high schools (grades 6 -12) will be chosen to win scholarships up to $500 and invited to attend a special awards ceremony and reception at the Fremont Downtown Events Center!

You can compete as an individual entry or in teams. Teams can consist of up to, but no more than, three (3) students. Videos can be live action, animation, personal testimonials, or whatever!  Just focus your video on the theme below and send it to us. Please read the contest rules regarding the prohibited use of AI-generated content and/or pre-designed video templates.

Video entries will be separated and judged in two separate categories - Middle School and High School.  Each category will receive prizes for winning entries.

Winning entries in both categories will be awarded:
1st place: $500   2nd place: $250   3rd place: $100  

The deadline to submit videos is Friday, March 13, 2026.

Teachers can win too! Your teacher can sponsor you or your team's video to be eligible to win prizes!  A teacher can sponsor a contestant or team by signing off on the student application form. A teacher may sponsor more than one contestant or team.  Teachers can win classroom scholarships up to $500 for sponsoring winning student videos or for sponsoring the most qualified videos.  Details are in the Official Contest Rules.

WaterClips Contest Theme: 


From workouts to wind-downs, water's always there for you. The 2026 contest theme challenges you (students) to create a 30-second video that shows how water from the Alameda County Water District influences, inspires or supports physical health and wellness. We want your point of view!  Please use our website acwd.org for facts and information about Alameda County Water District to include in your video.

To help inspire creative content for your video, here are a few examples to consider:

* Drinking water keeps you energized and hydrated for sports and activities.

* Staying hydrated helps you concentrate better during exams and homework.

* Water cools you down on a hot day or after exercise.

* Water is used for cooking nutritious meals that fuel your mind and body.

* Comfort and connection are provided using water in warm soups, teas or homemade meals.

* Washing fruits, vegetables and ingredients in water increases food safety and reduces the risk of illness

* Water keeps skin clear, prevents fatigue, helps regulate emotions and boosts your mood.

* Water plays an important role in self-care (brushing teeth, showers, washing hands, etc.)

* Taking care of your pet by giving them a bath or filling their bowl with fresh water every day helps you and your pet feel closer.

* Family traditions, customs or holidays use water in celebration, festivals, food or activities.

If you have any questions about your video’s content, please send an email to Renee W. Gonzales, Public Affairs Specialist.

STEP 1: Review Contest Timeline

  • Monday, October 6, 2025, to Friday, March 13, 2026: Contest entries accepted.
  • Friday, March 13, 2026, 11:59 p.m. (no exceptions): DEADLINE FOR CONTEST ENTRIES
  • Monday, March 16 - April 3: Videos will be qualified according to contest requirements and then sent to judges for scoring. 
  • April 2026: Students will be notified about the status of their video contest entry (honorable mentions and 1st, 2nd or 3rd place winners).
  • Students with a winning entry or honorable mention for their video will be invited to attend an awards ceremony and reception on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Fremont Downtown Events Center. The Fremont Downtown Events Center is located at 3500 Capitol Avenue in Fremont.
  • Thursday, April 30, 2026.: ACWD will host an awards ceremony and reception for WaterClips Student Video Contest winners and honorable mentions.

STEP 2: Review Contest Rules, Requirements and Resources

STEP 3: Create Video

Have fun creating your 30 second video about the significance and impact of ACWD water in your life!

*You must submit the items in Step 4 through Google( Forms. You must have a Gmail account to utilize Google Forms. If you do not have a Gmail account, please email Renee Gonzales, Public Affairs Specialist. 

STEP 4: Fill out Contest Application & Submit Your Video Here

Contest Application & Video Submission Form

STEP 5: Fill out Eligibility & Release Form

Eligibility/Release Form

  1. Where do I submit my video?
  2. What video format can I submit?
  3. How many videos can I submit per e-mail?

Need Inspiration? 

Check out winning student videos from the 2025 WaterClips Student Video Contest on ACWD's YouTube Channel.

Questions? 

Send an e-mail to
Renee W. Gonzales
Public Affairs Specialist