The IWSH World Plumbing Day Essay Contest is an annual scholarship competition run by the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation. Students are invited to write 800–1,600 words on a water and sanitation theme aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal #6 (clean water and sanitation for all). The 2026 topic was: "Why should the government and private sector come together to provide improved access to safe sanitation?"
The contest is open to high school seniors and students enrolled or accepted in post-secondary programs (technical school, community college, trade school, four-year university, or apprenticeship). International students are eligible. Entry is free.
Prizes include a $2,000 first-place scholarship and three $1,000 second-place scholarships. Winners are announced in Fall. The 2027 topic will be announced in Spring 2027 — check iwsh.org for updates.