EPCOR makes a 'splash' with Clovis Municipal Schools

CLOVIS, New Mexico—EPCOR, the City of Clovis and the Clovis Municipal School District teamed up to bring the third annual Clovis Water Carnival to local area elementary school students. The day-long event, held on Tuesday, May 6 at the Clovis Civic Center, brought together water-conscious professionals to provide over 560 fifth grade students across the city with a day of fun, interactive educational activities, all focused on the importance of water conservation and community wellbeing.

Students participated in four interactive stations that shared vital water conservation tips and information about the water cycle, groundwater flows, and even weather patterns that impact how water affects their community. Aligning with New Mexico’s education standards for fifth graders, the carnival’s curriculum-based activities are designed to make learning both enjoyable and impactful. This year’s carnival also featured some unforgettable highlights, including the fan-favorite Water Magician Richard Steele, EPCOR Mascot Splash, and even a visit by Clovis Mayor Mike Morris.

“Each year we excitedly welcome the Water Carnival to engage students and families of Clovis and shed light on how important our most precious resource is to our community,” said Mayor Mike Morris. “This event builds excitement for the next generation of water stewards, and I thank EPCOR for hosting this carnival that caps off our City’s month-long water conservation campaign in April.”

With over 30 volunteers from across EPCOR, 10 high school members of Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and two representatives from the City, the impact of the Clovis Water Carnival extends beyond the immediate excitement of its activities. By introducing students to the multifaceted world of water conservation in a positive and interactive environment, the event plants the seeds for future careers in water management and conservation. This early engagement is crucial in inspiring the next generation of water leaders—individuals who will eventually lead the charge in managing our most precious resource.

“As the city’s water provider, we have a sense of responsibility to inspire these students and teach them that their actions can make a positive difference,” said director of New Mexico and strategic operations for EPCOR, Rick Alvarez. “I’m amazed at how quickly they grasp the importance of water conservation and are eager to make changes to do their part, and we couldn’t do it without the support from our City partners.”

“The annual water carnival is something our students look forward to attending each year,” said Clovis Deputy Superintendent of Academic Services and Leadership, Carrie Nigreville. “The event is an important community effort to emphasize that learning goes far beyond the classroom. It’s encouraging to see EPCOR and our City’s leadership enthusiastically teach our students about the impact every individual plays in conservation.”

This year, the City was awarded a state grant through the Que Linda Foundation which helped provide every attendee with a carnival-themed t-shirt. The City partnered with EPCOR to host a booth focused on community beautification and benefits of recycling, a natural fit for the event that encompasses the multiple entities that promote city wellbeing.

For the third year in a row, EPCOR is proud to have once again collaborated with community partners to bring the Clovis Water Carnival to students from across the district. The carnival is a model of how communities can come together to educate and inspire, ensuring that the conversation about conservation doesn’t end when the carnival packs up.

Download the event photo gallery.

About EPCOR

Since 2012, EPCOR has been the drinking water provider for the City of Clovis with approximately 18,000 connections. As one of the largest private water utilities in the southwestern United States, EPCOR has returned over 26 billion gallons of water to the natural water cycle through innovative water reclamation and recovery efforts.