FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 17, 2025
The Charlottesville Department of Utilities Launches Storm Drain Art Contest!
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – The Charlottesville Department of Utilities is excited to launch its first-ever storm drain art contest! In celebration of National Stormwater Day, observed November 17 this year, the Charlottesville Utilities Storm Drain Art Contest invites the community to put on their thinking caps to creatively illustrate the importance of stormwater pollution prevention and submit artwork communicating the theme “Stormwater Pollution Prevention: Only Rain Down the Drain!” for a chance to paint their design on a stormwater drain inlet. Designed to help engage, educate, and motivate the community to prevent pollutants from entering our local waterways through storm drains, this artwork will serve the community for years to come!
The Department of Utilities manages the City’s stormwater conveyance system. This system handles stormwater runoff, which is precipitation that flows over the ground, into the stormwater system, and discharges directly into our creeks, streams, and the Rivanna River. As this runoff flows over land and impervious surfaces, it picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and sediment. To promote stormwater pollution prevention, and ensure that only rain goes down the drain, this contest is a great opportunity for the community to visually communicate an educational and inspirational message on how and why a pollutant-free stormwater system is essential to the health and vitality of our waterways.
The Charlottesville Utilities Storm Drain Art Contest is open to all community members aged 12 years or older, with two categories, Youth (ages 12-17) and Open (ages 18+). Submissions can be made from November 17, 2025, to February 9, 2026, via an online portal, by mail, or in-person. At the end of the entry period, a panel of judges selected by Utilities will select two winning designs, one from the Youth category and one from the Open category. A third Fan Favorite winner will be selected from the top entries via online voting by the community from February 16, 2026, through March 9, 2026. Three winners will each receive a $500 Visa gift card and paint their design on one of three storm drain inlets at a painting event in the spring.
More information on the Charlottesville Utilities Storm Drain Art Contest, including official rules and guidelines, and the submission form, can be found at www.charlottesville.gov/stormwater.
Media Contact
Ryan Willis
Utilities Outreach Program Coordinator
City of Charlottesville
434-970-3686
willisr@charlottesville.gov