— MALIK RUSSELL

The City of Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities is seeking five artists who can paint a picture of the importance of keeping the James River, the city’s source of drinking water, clean.

The five local artists selected will paint their designs on stormwater drains in Downtown.

The Storm Drain Art Project is part of RVAH2O, a public education initiative.

Stormwater runoff is not absorbed through driveways, parking lots, roads, sidewalks or roofs, officials explained. As water runs over these surfaces, it picks up dirt, trash, oil, grease, pesticides, fertilizers, pet waste and other pollutants, which are carried into Richmond’s waterways.

“Stormwater is our nation’s No. 1 source of surface water pollution,” said Robert Steidel, director of public utilities. “The James River is Richmond’s greatest natural asset, and we hope the Storm Drain Art Project will help citizens visually understand the importance of clean water and the impact of stormwater runoff because it all drains into the James.”

Officials said the paint to be used for the drains is the same as that used for traffic markings and should wear over time like street, utility and crosswalk markings. The city also will monitor the painting, with artists to be given instructions on precautions to prevent paint from getting into the drains.

Artists must be 18 years of age or older, and may submit their proposed designs by Monday, May 30, to www.rvah2o.org/storm-drain-art.

The online entry form includes judging criteria, photos and dimensions of the stormwater drains.

A panel from the Richmond Public Art Commission will judge the entries and select the artists, who will paint the drains in July.

The winning artists also will receive $300.