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01/14/2026 5:29 pm

Raleigh Water – Future of Water Stewardship Award

City of Raleigh Environmental Awards Program: Contest Open Until Feb. 22

News Published 1/9/2026 Updated 1/14/2026

The Raleigh Water – Future of Water Stewardship Award honors a middle school student who shows a strong understanding of Raleigh Water’s mission — to protect the environment, save water, and make sure everyone has clean, safe drinking water now and in the future.

This award celebrates students who care about their community and the environment. To show this, students will create a design for a reusable canvas bag that promotes caring for our water and our planet. The design should inspire others to help keep Raleigh’s water clean and safe for generations to come.

Who Can Apply

Students in grades 6–8 who attend schools in:

  • Raleigh
  • Garner
  • Knightdale
  • Rolesville
  • Wake Forest
  • Wendell
  • Zebulon

How Winners Are Chosen

Judges will look for these five things in your artwork and application:

1. Impact – You show that you understand how Raleigh Water provides clean, safe drinking water for our city and nearby towns, and why taking care of our water supply matters.

2. Innovation – Your design is creative, original, and gets people thinking about water and sustainability in new ways.

3. Sustainability – Your artwork shows your awareness of protecting the environment and your commitment to a healthy, sustainable future.

4. Community Engagement – You show involvement in your community and a desire to teach or inspire others to care about water and the environment.

5. Campaign Effectiveness – Your artwork clearly shares Raleigh Water’s mission and message in a way that makes people pay attention.

What You Can Win

Three workers overseeing water treatment process

Custom Canvas Bag Your winning artwork will be printed on reusable canvas bags! You’ll also receive fun Raleigh Water swag.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour and Lunch You (and your class, up to 30 people) will get a private tour of one of Raleigh Water’s amazing facilities — either a water treatment plant or a resource recovery center. See how clean water is made and how we recycle and protect the environment. After the tour, enjoy a free lunch at the facility to celebrate your achievement.

Recognition You’ll be recognized publicly with a certificate, trophy, or plaque.

Feature Story You’ll be featured in Raleigh Water’s newsletter, website, and social media, highlighting your design and accomplishment.

Community Outreach You’ll get to take part in at least one community event to share your experience and inspire others to support clean water and sustainability.

How to Apply / Artwork Prompt

Follow link to application questionnaire: https://arcg.is/0i4H5b1 

Contest is Open Until Feb. 22, 2026

Selection and Announcement

A special Raleigh Water committee will review all entries and choose the winner based on the criteria above.

The winner will be announced in April!

Contact

 

Phoebe Trogolo
Community Relations Coordinator
phoebe.trogolo@raleighnc.gov

Lead Department:
Water
Service Categories:
Water Treatment

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