SAVE THE DATE:

2026 Massachusetts Envirothon will be Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Hopkinton State Park

Registration is open!

2026 Current Issue

The Massachusetts Envirothon “Current Issue” applies the National Envirothon topic to our state context and emerging needs. It invites your Massachusetts Envirothon Team (Team) to become visionary problem-solvers and environmental stewards, leading the charge toward more resilient, water-conscious neighborhoods across the Commonwealth!

LIVING SPONGE COMMUNITIES

Strategies for Mitigating Environmental Impacts from Stormwater 

Stormwater is one of the most impactful environmental issues of our day – both in the significance of the harm it causes, and in the opportunity to improve local ecosystems with relatively small actions. And, it’s an issue that touches every one of us and our communities. 

As the climate changes, we’re seeing more intense rainstorms that are harder for our stormwater systems to manage. Living Sponge Communities help absorb stormwater runoff and provide other eco-benefits along the way.

Through hands-on learning, creative design, and community engagement, your Team will develop actionable ideas to transform Massachusetts into a model for sustainable stormwater management, one sponge community at a time!

Your Team’s Current Issue Journey:

Your Team will embark on an exploration of stormwater and its profound influence on our environment, infrastructure, and communities. 

Living Sponge Communities challenges your Team to investigate how everyday landscapes – parks, streets, rooftops, schoolyards, and backyards – interact with rainfall and runoff. 

Your Team will uncover the hidden dynamics of how these spaces either absorb or repel water, and how those choices impact both water quality and water quantity. 

From nutrient loading and pollution to flooding and groundwater depletion, stormwater runoff presents a complex web of challenges that demand innovative, science-based solutions.

WHAT YOU’LL EXPLORE

  • How pollutants travel through stormwater runoff, and its impact on water quality and quantity, ecosystem health, flood risk, infrastructure resilience, and community well-being; 
  • How landscapes – like yards, driveways, rooftops, parks, farms, and forests – influence  stormwater dynamics and the environment; 
  • How climate change is impacting stormwater behavior and management, and what innovative solutions can mitigate negative effects and build resilience for sustainable water management; and 
  • How thoughtful design, environmental policy, and individual actions contribute to ecosystem protection.

IMPACT ON MASSACHUSETTS & YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY 

Your Team will explore  non-point source pollution by examining how it shows up in your community, and how that compares with the rest of the State.

Your Local Community: 

Analyze how land use and everyday activities contribute to stormwater issues and water pollution in your immediate environment (neighborhood or city/town).

Think about:

  • lawn care
  • vehicle use
  • waste disposal 
  • other activities  

Be sure to look at: 

  • local land use
  • stormwater infrastructure 
  • community practices

Diverse Community Types Across Massachusetts: 

What are the differences in how non-point source pollution (from stormwater runoff) shows up in urban, suburban, and rural settings. What are the similarities?

Investigate differences in land use, agricultural practices, transportation networks, and how natural resources are managed. 

Identify patterns, challenges, and potential solutions for each setting.

YOUR CHALLENGE

The Massachusetts Envirothon Current Issue Challenge includes 4 key explorations: 

  1. Investigate & Map Stormwater Pathways 
  2. Community Connections – Understanding Stormwater Management & Water Resource Protection
  3. Comparing Community Types: Stormwater Challenges Across Urban, Suburban, & Rural Landscapes
  4. Propose Solutions – Building a Resilient Water Future:

These are each described below. 

1. Investigate and Map Stormwater Pathways

Conduct a detailed investigation into how stormwater runoff travels through your Team’s local environment and its surrounding watershed. Use mapping tools, field observations, and available data to trace the movement of rainwater from its initial point of contact (e.g., rooftops, streets, parks) to its final destination (e.g., rivers, lakes, or coastal areas). As part of your Team’s analysis, identify and document key sources of non-point source pollution, such as:

  • Excess fertilizers and pesticides from lawns and gardens
  • Motor oil, heavy metals, and other contaminants from roads and driveways
  • Litter and debris from public spaces and storm drains
  • Sediment from construction sites or eroded landscapes

This task will help your Team understand the relationship between land use, stormwater infrastructure, and environmental health – and inspire solutions for reducing pollution and improving water quality in your community.

2. Community Connections – Understanding Stormwater Management and Water Resource Protection:

Explore how your community addresses stormwater challenges and safeguards its water resources through a combination of infrastructure, policy, and public engagement. Conduct interviews with a diverse range of stakeholders to gain insight into local strategies, challenges, and innovations. Suggested Interviewees include the following:

  • Urban and Regional Planners to understand how land use and zoning influence runoff

  • Public Works Officials for insights into stormwater infrastructure and maintenance

  • Environmental Advocates and Nonprofits to learn about community- driven solutions and education efforts

  • Local Business Owners to explore how commercial practices affect runoff and pollution

  • Community Organizers for perspectives on grassroots involvement and equity in water management

  • Members of Local Boards and Commissions such as conservation commissions or planning boards

  • Other Key Voices including educators, engineers, farmers, and residents with lived experience

This investigation will help you uncover how multisector collaboration shapes water resilience and what opportunities exist for innovation and improvement in your Team’s community.

3. Comparing Community Types: Stormwater Challenges Across Urban, Suburban, & Rural Landscapes

Investigate how stormwater management needs and obstacles vary across different community settings. Consider the unique environmental, infrastructural, and social factors that shape each area’s approach to handling runoff and protecting water quality.

4. Propose Solutions – Building a Resilient Water Future:

Craft a set of sustainable, imaginative, and actionable strategies to improve stormwater management and protect local water resources. Your Team’s proposed solutions should reflect both environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Download PDF

IMPACTFUL PRESENTATION

The culmination of all your Team’s work will be a dynamic and visually engaging presentation at  Massachusetts Envirothon on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

The presentation should showcase your Team’s research, insights, & proposed solutions.

ECO-CHALLENGE CRITERIA & AWARDS

Judging Criteria 

Awards

Other Recognition

Multiple types of awards and recognitions will be offered. Details to come.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CURRENT ISSUE

The following is a list of resources that provide more information about Living Sponge Communities, stormwater, and other important content that will enhance your Massachusetts Envirothon experience.

We encourage you to dig deeper and find more of your own resources on sponge cities, climate change, non-point source pollution, stormwater runoff, floodwater management, green infrastructure, and more. 

Be sure to share what you find with the rest of your Team! 

Print these resources here: 2025-2026 MA Envirothon Guidance and Resources

Sponge Communities and Related Resources 

Climate Change

Climate Change Solutions

Environmental Justice

Forests

Soils

Water

Wildlife