Illinois American Water Opens 2026 Student Art Contest

Illinois American Water has opened its 2026 “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest for third, fourth and fifth grade students. Entries are due by Nov. 13, 2026, and up to 10 winners will receive classroom prize packs valued at roughly $100 each. Students are invited to create artwork showing what high-quality water service means to them. Winning artwork may appear in future customer communications.

Student Entries Open

The contest opened Oct. 16, one day after the annual observance of the U.S. Water Alliance’s Imagine a Day Without Water campaign on Oct. 15.

Brian Eisenloeffel, President at Illinois American Water, said:

“Our annual art contest encourages students to bring art and science together to depict the importance of water in a creative way. We are excited to see what safe, clean, and reliable water means to our young customers.”

Classroom Prize Packs

Available prize packs include Creative Kids, with art supplies; STEM Education, with a science trivia board game, magnetic tiles and Guess in 10 Animal Planet; and Classroom Party, with Uno Junior, 30 Fidget Toy Keychains and Would You Rather? School & Classroom Edition.

Water Service In Daily Life

The contest puts a classroom focus on the role water service plays for families, schools, communities and local operations.

Brian Eisenloeffel, President at Illinois American Water, said:

“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.”