The Bertsch, Hokendauqua, Catasauqua Watershed Association is holding its first scholarship writing contest.

The competition is open to all college-bound high school seniors in the Northampton and Catasauqua school districts.

Applicants are required to write an essay of approximately 750 words.

The topic is "Our watershed is projected to see a 37 percent increase in population by 2040, an addition of 23,000 residents. How should we balance the needs of the community against the need to maintain the healthy ecosystem necessary to ensure an adequate, high-quality water supply?"

Students can get more information and applications at their school guidance offices.

One winner will be chosen from each of the two school districts.

The association was founded in 2009 to promote the stewardship, protection, enhancement and restoration of the Bertsch, Hokendauqua and Catasauqua watersheds and their tributaries to the Lehigh River.