​Dozens of children participated in the Phoenix Water Department's "Only Rain in the Storm Drain" bookmark art contest. Of the 93 entries by children ages, 6 to 12, Environmental Services staff selected 16 finalists for official judging.
The judges, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, City Librarian Rita Hamilton, Water Assistant Director Nazario Prieto, and Water Deputy Director Jennifer Calles, gathered at Burton Barr Central Library on May 18. They evaluated each entry for artistic quality, message, creativity, and clarity.
When the scores were tallied, Levi Wyatt, age 9, placed first, Chinmayi Adiga, age 12, placed second, and Winston Reed, age 7, placed third. Their artwork was turned into official bookmarks currently available for free at all Phoenix library locations, and they received a collection of Phoenix Water educational materials and souvenirs.
The bookmarks serve as a critical reminder that only rain should go in the storm drain. It's an important message during monsoon season because it's common for people to misuse storm drains by dumping trash and other contaminants in them that can end up in streams and rivers.
Phoenix Water urges residents to keep pollutants like litter, grease, oil, pet waste, and fertilizers away from storm drains. Remember, Only Rain in the Storm Drain! To learn more about what you can do in your home or business, visit Phoenix Water's website for the Stormwater Management Program.
Aspiring young artists will be invited to participate in next year's stormwater bookmark contest. Details will be announced on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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