Press Releases
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (March 2, 2026) – West Virginia American Water announced today entries are being accepted for its 11th annual “Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest”. Students in third, fourth and fifth grades located in areas served by West Virginia American Water are eligible to enter.
“Protecting our source water isn’t just an environmental priority—it’s a community responsibility. Safe, clean, reliable water is essential to our health, and safeguarding our supply requires awareness and action from all of us,” said Scott Wyman, President of West Virginia American Water. “That’s why initiatives like our annual Protest Our Watersheds Art Contest are so important. By engaging young students, we’re helping the next generation understand where their water comes from and why protecting it matters. When these lessons are learned early, they are carried forward, strengthening the long‑term resilience and wellbeing of our communities.”
West Virginia American Water encourages teachers and parents to promote the contest as a fun and imaginative way to draw students’ attention to learning about West Virginia’s watersheds and drinking water sources and helping to protect and preserve them. Winners will be selected based on creative vision, artistic talent, understanding of watershed protection and the ability to illustrate and communicate that understanding. As part of their entry, students must write a brief narrative on the personal impact of watershed protection.
Two winners will be selected across West Virginia American Water’s service areas. Each winner will provide an Amazon wish list of educational items valued at a maximum of $50. Additionally, the winners’ classes will receive a pizza party with the company’s mascot, Puddles, and each winners’ teacher will provide their own Amazon wish list valued at a maximum of $50 for classroom supplies.
Guidelines and entry forms can be found on the “Protect Our Watersheds Art Contest” page of the company’s website. The deadline for artwork submissions is Friday, March 27, 2026, and winners will be announced during Earth Week.
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 18 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 West Virginia American Water
West Virginia American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with 315 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 583,000 people.
Media Contact
Olivia Bailey
West Virginia American Water
External Affairs Manager
Olivia.Bailey@amwater.com