The week of September 25 – 29 marks Source Water Protection Week, a week to focus on the importance of protecting one of the greatest natural resources. The James River is vital not only as the sole source of drinking water in the city, but also vital for recreational, quality of life and economic development opportunities.

The Department of Public Utilities is hosting an essay content to raise awareness about two important environmental issues; protecting source water and the lack of access to clean drinking water that affects so many in the United States. DPU is dedicated to educating the public and our consumers about our efforts to provide clean, safe and reliable drinking water to our consumers and we would like the youth to get in on the action! Students of Richmond Public Schools are invited to participate in this contest.

With two national initiatives in September and October, “Source Water Protection Week” and “Imagine a Day Without Water” National Day of Action, DPU has created an opportunity for students to share their thoughts and ideas on environment issues specific to water. Our essay contest is geared towards students in grades 3 through 12, with three tiered prompts appropriate for the elementary, middle and high school levels. The contest officially begins September 25 to kickoff Source Water Protection Week, through which the American Water Works Association will be raising awareness about the importance of caring for our drinking water sources. Essays must be submitted via our online form by Friday, October 13 and we will announce the winners on October 19 which is the National Day of Action for Imagine a Day Without Water. We will choose one winner and one honorable mention for each school level and the winners will each receive a “DPU Swag Bag”, and the opportunity for a tour of our water and/or wastewater treatment plant to learn about our processes and a visit to their school or classroom from our waterdrop mascot, James River (“JR” for short).

Students can enter the essay contest by accessing our online form, providing basic information (name, email, school and grade level), and then typing or pasting their essay into the appropriate box. We hope that all RPS students in grades 3-12 participate in this opportunity to learn, share, and raise awareness about protecting the James River.

Click here to submit your essay.

Click here for the contest flyer.