Cal Water opened its Tap Into Learning program for San Mateo-area students on Tuesday, Sept. 8, marking the conservation education initiative's 13th year.
The program, a partnership between California Water Service and DoGoodery, offers four tracks for K-12 students in the 2026-27 school year:
- Aqua Adventures — water- and nature-focused field trips for upper elementary students.
- Splash of Creativity — an art competition in which students submit original work about water conservation.
- Water Smart Grants — funding for classroom projects exploring water science, sustainability and conservation.
- H₂Oath — a pledge initiative where students and classrooms commit to everyday water-saving habits.
Cal Water's Mid-Peninsula District serves San Mateo, San Carlos and adjacent unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, making local schools eligible.
Last school year the program drew 138 entries statewide across its field trip, art and grant tracks, according to Cal Water's announcement. The company awarded 12 Aqua Adventures experiences, 10 Splash of Creativity prizes and 10 Water Smart Grants.
Two San Mateo students won art honors in the 2025-26 cycle, according to a separate Cal Water winners announcement: Paige took the Grades K-2 Grand Prize, and Emilia earned Special Recognition in Grades 3-5.
Marty Kropelnicki, Cal Water's chairman and CEO, said the program aims to connect students with water conservation in ways that stick with them beyond the classroom.
Specific application deadlines were not listed in the announcement. Eligibility details and sign-up information are posted at tapintolearning.calwater.com.
