Fairmount Water Works & Partnership for the Delaware Estuary Celebrate Winners of “Trash Free Waters” Art Contest

1st-Place Winner: Clearing the Way to Trash Free Waters, by Cassandra Hanlon

Fairmount Water Works (FWW) is showcasing another year of Trash Free Waters art entries!

Visitors will now find a beautiful collection of paintings, drawings, and collages honoring Philadelphia’s waterways hanging in the FWW Interpretive Center Multi-Purpose Room.

Each piece on display was made for the Trash Free Waters art contest hosted by the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary (PDE). The contest asked Philly residents, “What does clean water mean to you?”, and the responses were stunning.

Each submission has a unique personality and perspective. Together, they showcase the diversity that makes our rivers, creeks, and streams special. The exhibit features an impressive range of media and materials, including paint, collage, pencil, wood, and yes: trash!

Every day, litter and debris find their way into our waterways, threatening wildlife and water quality. By turning some of this trash into art, the artists have transformed something harmful into something beautiful.

At PWD, we know water serves several purposes: drinking water, stormwater, wastewater, and so much more.

But Trash Free Waters reminds us not to lose sight of all living things that water sustains — from herons to insects to otters, to you and me.

But don’t take our word for it. Come see the exhibit for yourself, on display at FWW until Spring 2026!

2nd & 3rd Place Winners

Check out all the entries to the Trash-Free Waters Art Contest!