The public is now invited to vote for their favorite design. The top choice will be named the winner of the 2021 Community Choice Award. Voting opened on Tuesday, July 6 and closes 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 18.  

Kitsap County Public Works' Stormwater Division introduced the Art for Clean Water project in 2019. Each year, the County brings the artwork to a different community. The environmental public art program emphasizes the link between storm drains and surface waters and helps connect the community to their local water resources. Murals are currently painted in the communities of Keyport and Manchester. 

“Many people probably don’t think about storm drains until there is a problem like flooding. When it rains, water flows over our pavements, sidewalks and yards picking up pollutants along the way. That water ends up in the storm drains and eventually our local water bodies,” said Kym Pleger, education and outreach coordinator. “We hope that these art installations help bring greater awareness about preventing water pollution.” 

Painting of the five selected designs will take place over two days on July 22 and July 26 (weather permitting). The public is encouraged to stop by to see the artists in action, or to visit the fairgrounds after the murals have been installed. 

For information about the event contact Kym Pleger, education and outreach coordinator. You can vote on the designs until July 18 online at https://kcowa.us/artforcleanwater.