Water Week 2026
Water Week 2026: Empowering the Next Generation of Water Conservationists
8–14 June 2026
Water is life. It connects us all, yet it's increasingly under pressure. Water Week 2026 invites schools across the UK to explore why water matters, the challenges facing this precious resource, and how simple actions can make a real difference.
This year's theme is Don't Be a Drip – encouraging young people to think about water in a new way and take simple actions, such as turning off taps properly and helping to prevent water waste.
To help schools get involved, we've created a free Water Week campaign pack featuring ready-to-use assemblies, posters, activities and family engagement resources for pupils aged 5–16.
Win a Copy of The Waterubas
Primary schools displaying their Waterubas signage and posters can enter a prize draw to win one of 20 copies of The Waterubas by Jocelyn Stevenson. Simply display the signage around your school and send us a photo to be entered into the draw.
Join the #wavesofchange
Help spread the Water Week message by creating your own #wavescfchange. Film your class, Eco Team or whole school creating a wave and share it with us. Every participating school will receive a certificate, and one lucky school will win a set of exclusive Water Week water bottles featuring their school logo.
The Water Week Education Resource Directory
Alongside the campaign activities, our Water Week Education Resource Directory offers a rich collection of media-based resources, films, activities and curriculum-linked content curated from a wide range of organisations, from the BBC to NGOs and water companies.
Designed for learners aged 5–16, the directory supports science, geography, global citizenship and cross-curricular learning.
Topic Focus Areas
1. Understanding Water
Explore why water matters — from the global water cycle to how much freshwater we have, where our water comes from, and the invisible ways we use it every day. Discover how cultures around the world have cared for water across generations.
2. Water and Climate
Understand how climate change is disrupting water systems, from melting glaciers to rising seas and extreme weather. Learn how water helps regulate our climate — and why protecting oceans and rivers matters now more than ever.
3. Water Scarcity and Inequality
Not everyone has access to clean water. This theme explores global water inequality, water as a human right, and how water scarcity affects health, education and poverty, alongside inspiring examples of communities creating solutions.
4. Water Pollution
Dive into the causes and consequences of water pollution — from plastic and chemicals to agricultural runoff. Learn how pollution spreads, harms wildlife and what we can do to prevent and clean it up.
5. Sustainable Water Use
Find out how to use water more wisely at home and at school. This theme introduces practical tips, hidden "virtual" water in products, and innovations such as greywater systems and rainwater harvesting.
6. Nature-Based Solutions
Explore how nature can help protect water — from wetlands and forests to urban green spaces and sustainable farming. See how restoring natural water systems builds resilience and improves biodiversity.
7. Young Changemakers
Learn how young people around the world are leading the way in water action. Get inspired to design your own water-saving idea, make pledges and use your voice to create change.
8. Water Careers for the Future
Discover the exciting world of water-related careers — from engineers and scientists to campaigners and innovators. Learn how STEAM skills can help solve global water challenges and how diverse voices are shaping the future.
Sign up now to download your free Water Week campaign pack and be part of a growing movement helping young people understand, value and protect water.
Together, we can create #wavesofchange.