Local water organizations host annual Imagine a Day without Water art contest

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - The City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA), and Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA) join up for the 12th annual "Imagine a Day without Water" art contest to educate and inspire the community about the value of water in our everyday lives.

Each year, the City, ACSA, and RWSA ask youth to artistically show the community why we must value and save water as part of a national campaign to "Imagine a Day without Water." The art contest has entry submittal flexibility to make it as easy as possible for our community’s youth to participate in this creative opportunity to learn about and illustrate the importance of water.

The 2026 Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest theme is "Small Drop, Big Difference" and invites youth artists to showcase the scale and impact water can have through realistic or abstract representation. Art submissions will be accepted September 14 through October 26. The contest is open to all youth in grades K – 12th living in the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Submissions must be original, two-dimensional creations. They can be of any size and may include photography.

All Imagine a Day without Water art entries must be submitted by October 26. Submissions will be accepted via direct mail to the Charlottesville Water Conservation (PO Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902) or electronically through our submission and online voting platform. In addition, entries can be dropped off in person at the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library’s Central, Northside, and Crozet branches during their normal hours of service. All submissions must have the official entry form (PDF) attached or included with the digital submission.

Last year’s contest was a huge success, bringing in 530 entries, and we are excited for increased participation this year. There will be $200 cash prizes awarded to the finalists in different age categories and to the top photography entry. In addition, a fan favorite will be selected by the community with online voting available November 16 through December 2. All Imagine a Day without Water contest winners will be announced on December 9. Four teachers will also be honored for their support in the contest and campaign through a random drawing as well as the teacher with the most student participants.

"From resource management to conservation efforts, the way we use water can have a lasting effect," said Jill Greiner, City of Charlottesville Water Efficiency Program Coordinator. "We are excited to see how youth show us the impact of water especially coming off our drought focused summer."

For more information about the Imagine a Day without Water Art Contest including full contest rules and official entry form, visit www.charlottesville.gov/artcontest.