P3S Committee Offers Financial Boost for P3S-related Outreach Initiatives

Announcements

The P3S Committee is thrilled to announce the continuation of its grants program aimed at supporting P3S-related outreach projects. With a total fund of $5,000 at their disposal, the committee plans to distribute two to five separate grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 each.

Recognizing that the grant may not cover the entirety of a project’s expenses, the committee strongly encourages applicants to forge community partnerships. By collaborating with non-profit organizations, schools, or other community groups, applicants can leverage these relationships to amplify and expand the reach of their clean water message.

The primary purpose of the grant is to provide seed funding, kick-starting projects that have the potential to make a significant impact. By nurturing community partnerships, applicants can maximize the effectiveness and sustainability of their initiatives.

Interested parties are invited to submit their applications by December 12, 2025.

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2024 PAST PROJECT WINNERS

Jefferson Elementary School (Santa Ana) – Eco Heroes Recycling Program

Jefferson Elementary launched the Eco Heroes Recycling Program to empower students to lead sustainability efforts on campus. With new recycling bins, grabbers, and a collection system, students collect recyclables and exchange them for funds to sustain the program. The project builds awareness of waste reduction, environmental responsibility, and community pride while promoting long-term recycling habits among young environmental stewards.

Culver City Parks Project — Eco Trivia Series

The Parks Project’s Eco Trivia Series brings environmental education to life through fun, interactive trivia nights. Hosted quarterly, these events engage Angelenos with questions and facts about local environmental challenges and pollution prevention. Supported by multiple agencies and community partners, the series combines entertainment with education—equipping participants with take-home resources and tools to continue spreading awareness.

Jurupa Community Services District – Butterfly Meadows & Native Plant Garden

Jurupa Community Services District partnered with the Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center to create Butterfly Meadows, a vibrant native plant and pollinator garden that doubles as a model for sustainable stormwater management. The project demonstrates how native landscaping can reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and support biodiversity while beautifying community spaces and inspiring conservation-minded design.

California Marine Sanctuary Foundation (Monterey) – FARM Students Conference Attendance

The California Marine Sanctuary Foundation provided local high school students with opportunities to attend the 2025 EcoFarm Conference and related field days through the FARM Students Program. Students learned about sustainable agricultural practices that protect water quality and watershed health within the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The experience connects the next generation to real-world examples of collaboration between farming and clean water protection.

2021-2022 Winners

City of Burlingame – Storm Drain Murals Pilot Project:

The City of Burlingame launched a storm drain mural project to educate the public about stormwater pollution prevention through public art. Eye-catching murals were painted near high traffic drains in multiple neighborhoods, encouraging residents to keep litter and contaminants out of local waterways. The project fosters community pride, beautifies city streets, and promotes environmental stewardship to protect San Francisco Bay.

Mt. View Sanitary District – Biotower Mural Project

Mt. View Sanitary District used grant funding to create a vibrant mural at the biotower off of 680 in Martinez. The artwork celebrates the district’s commitment to clean water and showcases the treatment process in a way that’s accessible and engaging for the community. The mural also serves as a public education tool, inspiring interest in wastewater treatment and the importance of pollution prevention. Artwork is a collaboration of artists: @illuminaries, @emagn1, @romali_habitat2, @flavorinnovator, and @kruptdotcom.

City of American Canyon – Sewer Science Project

The City of American Canyon brought wastewater science into the classroom with its hands-on Sewer Science Project. Students learned how wastewater is treated and how their everyday choices impact water quality. This engaging educational program helps foster the next generation of environmental stewards and supports the city’s ongoing outreach on responsible water use and pollution prevention.

Encina Wastewater Authority – Public Outreach Giveaways

Encina Wastewater Authority enhanced its regional outreach by developing high-quality educational giveaways to promote pollution prevention and proper waste disposal. These items—distributed at community events and tours—serve as useful reminders of how small daily actions contribute to protecting local waterways and keeping the region’s treatment systems running smoothly.

Other Past Winners

East Bay Municipal Utility District — WWTP Tour Program

EBMUD enhanced public understanding of the wastewater treatment process by hosting guided tours for schools and community members. The tours highlight how wastewater is transformed into clean, safe water before being returned to the environment, inspiring participants to adopt pollution prevention practices at home.

Cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill — Regional FOG Outreach Campaign

The Cities of Gilroy and Morgan Hill partnered to develop updated regional outreach materials focused on preventing fats, oils, and grease (FOG) from entering the sewer system. The campaign educates residents and businesses about proper disposal methods to prevent costly blockages and protect local water quality.

Coachella Water Authority — Enviroscape Model

The Coachella Water Authority used grant funds to purchase an interactive Enviroscape watershed model for classroom and community outreach. The model helps participants visualize how stormwater runoff carries pollutants into waterways, emphasizing the importance of everyday actions in protecting the environment.

Delta Diablo — “No Wipes in Pipes” Campaign

Delta Diablo’s “Sewer Heroes” campaign taught the community about the impacts of flushing wipes and other non-flushables. Through engaging characters and clear messaging, the campaign raised awareness about keeping the sewer system healthy and preventing costly maintenance issues.

City of Redlands — Sewer Heroes Program

The City of Redlands created an educational program featuring the “Sewer Heroes,” a team of characters that teach kids about what can and can’t go down the drain. The campaign combines humor and education to promote responsible waste disposal and environmental protection.

Riverside Art Museum — The Art of Water Protection

The Riverside Art Museum partnered with local artists to create community murals that connect art and environmental protection. The project encourages residents to see clean water as both a natural resource and a shared responsibility, blending creativity with sustainability education.

City of San Luis Obispo — Protecting SLO Creek with Art

The City of San Luis Obispo used public art to highlight the connection between storm drains and local creeks. The murals serve as visual reminders that storm drains flow directly to SLO Creek and the ocean, helping residents understand how to prevent pollution and protect wildlife.

Chaparral Hills Elementary — Water Education Program

Students at Chaparral Hills Elementary developed classroom activities that explore wastewater and stormwater systems. The program promotes hands-on learning and encourages students to share pollution prevention messages with their families and communities.

South Orange County Wastewater Authority — Interactive Watershed Sandbox

SOCWA’s interactive watershed sandbox allows students and community members to see how topography, rain, and runoff interact to affect water quality. The hands-on model makes complex stormwater concepts fun and easy to understand while reinforcing pollution prevention practices.