California Water Service Kicks Off Back-to-School Season With 13th Year of Tap Into Learning Program

SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As teachers welcome students back for another year of learning, California Water Service (Cal Water) is launching its 13th annual Tap Into Learning, a conservation education program designed to help students explore the importance of water through hands-on learning, creativity, and environmental stewardship.

Tap Into Learning provides schools in Cal Water service areas, which span from Chico in the north to the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the south, with engaging opportunities that support classroom learning while encouraging students to become thoughtful stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources. The program offers activities and resources for students in kindergarten through 12th grade throughout the academic year.

“Back-to-school season is an exciting time for students to discover new ideas and for teachers to spark curiosity in the classroom,” said Marty Kropelnicki, Chairman and CEO. “For 13 years, Tap Into Learning has helped connect students with the importance of water conservation and sustainability in ways that are engaging, memorable, and meaningful. We are proud to continue supporting educators as they cultivate the next generation of environmental leaders.”

During the 2026-27 school year, eligible students, teachers, classrooms, and school-based organizations can participate in:

• Aqua Adventures, offering water- and nature-focused field trip experiences that bring environmental learning beyond the classroom for upper elementary students.
• Splash of Creativity, an individual art competition that encourages students to express their ideas about water conservation through original artwork.
• Water Smart Grants, providing funding for classroom projects that help students explore water-related science, sustainability, and conservation concepts through hands-on activities.
• H₂Oath, a conservation pledge initiative that empowers students and classrooms to make simple, everyday commitments to use water wisely.

In the 2025-26 school year, Tap Into Learning drew a combined 138 entries for its Aqua Adventures field trips, Splash of Creativity submissions, and Water Smart Grants. Cal Water awarded 12 Aqua Adventures experiences, 10 Splash of Creativity prizes, and 10 Water Smart Grants.

As California communities continue to focus on long-term water sustainability, Tap Into Learning helps students understand how individual actions can contribute to protecting local water resources. The program combines classroom engagement with real-world applications, giving students opportunities to turn learning into action.

Teachers are encouraged to explore available opportunities early in the school year and incorporate water education into science-, environmental studies-, art-, and sustainability-focused lesson plans.
For program details, eligibility requirements, and participation opportunities, visit tapintolearning.calwater.com.

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to more than 2 million people statewide through 500,000 service connections. Cal Water’s purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers and communities. To do so, it invests responsibly in water and wastewater infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community well-being. The company’s 1,200 employees live by a set of strong core values and share a commitment to protecting the planet, caring for people, and operating with the utmost integrity. The company, commemorating a century of service this year, has been named one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek, a USA Top Workplace, and a Great Place to Work^®. More information is available at www.calwater.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Yvonne Kingman, (310) 257-1434