Illinois American Water recently invited 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to showcase their creativity by submitting artwork to the company’s “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest. Hundreds of entries capturing the importance of high-quality water service were received, and Illinois American Water selected 10 winners who earned a prize pack, valued at roughly $100, to share with their classroom.

“From pictures of healthy practices to drawings of gardens and firefighters, we are completely inspired by the creative ways students used their love of art and environmental awareness to showcase the importance of high-quality and reliable water service. A recurring theme of water’s importance to a healthy life demonstrates to us how promising the future of water quality is in the hands of our young customers,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water.

The winning artwork can be found on the company’s Facebook page: @ilamwater. It will also be featured on future Illinois American Water customer communications.

Losli added, “Illinois American Water plays a critical role in customers’ daily lives by providing water service that supports essential activities and jobs. We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the role high-quality water plays in your own life, including in your health, careers, hobbies, and other activities.”

The art contest winners are listed below in no particular order:

Alaina C., 4th Grader, Unity East Elementary, Philo

Arabella G., 4th Grader, Central Elementary School, Lincoln

Darryl V., 5th Grader, North Elementary, Godfrey

David B., 3rd Grader, Zion Lutheran School, Pulaski

Dearia J., 5th Grader, Cairo Elementary School, Cairo

Elaina K., 3rd Grader, Prairie Hill Elementary School, South Beloit

Harper P., 3rd Grader, Holy Family Catholic School, Granite City

Hazel R., 3rd Grader, Grafton Elementary School, Grafton

Natalia J., 4th Grader, John R. Tibbott Elementary School, Bolingbrook

Reagan M., 4th Grader, St. Mary's Catholic School, Pontiac

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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 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, providing safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251124157999/en/

"A recurring theme of water’s importance to a healthy life demonstrates to us how promising the future of water quality is in the hands of our young customers,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water.