Statewide Water Festival, Science Fair held in Rochester

The festival brought 400 elementary school students from all over the state to the Rochester Water Treatment Facility for a day of interactive learning and hands-on science exploration (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The 2025 New Hampshire Drinking Water Festival & Science Fair was recently held in Rochester.

Organized by the New Hampshire Drinking Water Coalition (Coalition), the festival brought 400 elementary school students from all over the state to the Rochester Water Treatment Facility for a day of interactive learning, creative expression, and hands-on science exploration focused on water quality and conservation.

Established in 1991 by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES), the Drinking Water Festival has grown to include a Water Science Fair and Poetry Contest, engaging students in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) concepts related to water.

In addition to over two dozen activity areas stationed throughout the grounds, Public Works staff led an interactive activity focused on stormwater and pollution prevention. City Manager Katie Ambrose served as a judge for the Water Science Fair, while Mayor Paul Callaghan congratulated each of the student finalists during the awards ceremony and presented prizes to the winners. Former Poet Laureate Ed Pacht also attended, reading a poem written especially for the event and announcing the winners of the statewide poetry contest.

Additionally, staff provided guided tours of the Water Treatment Facility, giving students and educators a behind-the-scenes look at Rochester's water operations.

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