Illinois American Water Announces 2026 "Water Keeps Life Flowing" Art Contest

Grade school contest raises awareness of the role high-quality water systems play in students' daily lives 

BELLEVILLE, Ill., Oct 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois American Water encourages students to showcase their creativity by submitting artwork to the company's "Water Keeps Life Flowing" art contest. Entries from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will capture what high-quality water service means to them, and artwork will be accepted through Friday, Nov. 13, 2026. 

"Our annual art contest encourages students to bring art and science together to depict the importance of water in a creative way," says Brian Eisenloeffel, President, Illinois American Water. "We are excited to see what safe, clean, and reliable water means to our young customers."

Art contest entries open Oct. 16, 2026, just one day after the annual observance of the U.S. Water Alliance's Imagine a Day Without Water on Oct. 15, which encourages people to consider the devastating impact of a single day without access to safe, clean water.

Eisenloeffel added, "Water keeps our lives flowing by helping families, schools, communities, and the environment thrive. Water is essential for drinking, cooking, growing gardens, protecting public health, supporting local businesses, and helping firefighters keep our communities safe. Illinois American Water plays a critical role in customers' daily lives by providing water service that supports these essential activities and community operations."

Up to 10 winners will earn a prize pack, valued at roughly $100, to share with their classroom. Available prize packs include:

• Creative Kids – art supplies like colored pencils, markers, crayons;
• STEM Education – science trivia board game, magnetic tiles, Guess in 10 Animal Planet; and
• Classroom Party – Uno Junior, 30 Fidget Toy Keychains, Would You Rather? School & Classroom Edition.

The winning artwork may be featured in future Illinois American Water customer communications. Past winning artwork can be found on the company's Facebook page: @ilamwater.

Additional contest rules and guidelines can be found on Illinois American Water's website under the News & Community tab.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.   

SOURCE American Water