The Aquarion Water Co. is reminding students, businesses, environmental organizations and the public that nominations still are being accepted for its ninth annual Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards.

The deadline for nominations for the awards, which recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding, voluntary efforts to protect and restore Connecticut’s natural environment, is May 1.

Nominations can be submitted for volunteer projects that have significantly contributed to the improvement of environmental quality through the protection, conservation, restoration or stewardship of Connecticut’s water, air, soils and plant and wildlife habitats. Awards will be given to projects that demonstrate a high level of achievement and create sustainable or reproducible results. Self-nominations and re-nominations are welcome.

Aquarion will select a winner in the following categories: adult, student (Grades 9-12), small business, large business and nonprofit organization. The student winner will receive $1,000. Aquarion will make a contribution of $2,500 to environmental nonprofit organizations selected by each of the other category winners.

Aquarion has added a new communications category that will recognize both individuals and organizations who have used traditional or digital media to help protect, report or create awareness about our natural resources by informing the public through their communication efforts. Winners in the program’s communications category will have the opportunity to select an environmental nonprofit organization to receive a $2,500 grant given in their name by Aquarion.

Winners will be honored June 1 at the Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. More information is available at aquarionwater.com and facebook.com/aquarionwater.