Belleville – October 16, 2026 -- Third, fourth and fifth graders in Illinois American Water's service area can submit artwork to the "Water Keeps Life Flowing" contest through Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, with up to 10 winners earning classroom prize packs worth roughly $100.
Entries open Oct. 16 and close Nov. 13
Students are asked to capture what high-quality water service means to them. Submissions opened Oct. 16, 2026, one day after the U.S. Water Alliance's Imagine a Day Without Water observance on Oct. 15.
Brian Eisenloeffel, President of Illinois American Water, said the annual contest brings art and science together. He listed drinking, cooking, gardening, public health, local businesses and firefighting among the everyday uses of water.
Winners choose from three prize packs for their classrooms
- Creative Kids: art supplies such as colored pencils, markers and crayons.
- STEM Education: a science trivia board game, magnetic tiles and Guess in 10 Animal Planet.
- Classroom Party: Uno Junior, 30 Fidget Toy Keychains and Would You Rather? School & Classroom Edition.
Winning art may appear in customer communications
Illinois American Water may feature the winning artwork in future customer communications. Past winners are posted on the company's Facebook page, @ilamwater. Full rules and guidelines are listed under the News & Community tab on the company's website.