The WaterPIX photo competition asked Europeans to capture what they think about water, its uses and what it means for life in pixels. The aim of the contest is to bring renewed attention to the vital role water plays in our lives and as a key resource for all life on Earth. An international jury selected the winners in the competition’s three thematic categories (‘Water and us,’ ‘Water and nature’, and ‘Water and the economy’) as well as the Youth Prize for the best photo submitted by participants between 18-24 years of age. The Public Choice Award was determined in a public online vote that closed on 15 October. Here are the winners:

Water and us: 'Water and serenity' by Orhan Kartal, from Turkey. The photo was taken in Batman, Turkey.

Image © Orhan Kartal, WaterPIX /EEA

Water and nature: 'The kingfisher' by Petar Sabol, from Croatia. The photo was taken at a small pond between Palovec and Mala Subotica, Croatia.

Image © Petar Sabol, WaterPIX /EEA

Water and the economy: 'Fishermen' by Paulina Terendy, from Poland. The photo was taken at Zalew Wislany (Vistula Lagoon), Poland.

Image © Paulina Terendy, WaterPIX /EEA

Youth Prize: 'Water glasses' by Łukasz Frasunkiewicz, from Poland. The photo was taken in Obra, Poland.

Image © Łukasz Frasunkiewicz, WaterPIX /EEA

Public Choice Award: 'Water and serenity' by Orhan Kartal, from Turkey. The photo was taken in Batman, Turkey.

Image © Orhan Kartal, WaterPIX /EEA

The winners in the three main categories (Water and us, Water and nature, Water and the economy) will be awarded a cash prize of 1,000 euros, the winners of the Public Choice Award and the Youth Prize will receive 500 euros.

You can see all the WaterPIX finalist photos on the EEA Flickr account.