Charlottesville Water Conservation

A Nationally Recognized Program that Makes Saving Water Kid-Friendly

Water is essential, and in times of drought it matters even more, so the City of Charlottesville built a comprehensive water conservation program to help every resident use less water (and save money doing it). It’s well regarded, recognized by the EPA’s WaterSense program for sustained excellence, but what makes it worth a family’s attention is how much of it is designed with kids in mind.

Why Families Love It

The standout for families is the Imagine a Day Without Water campaign each fall, where kids create artwork imagining life without water for drinking, cooking, bathing, or flushing. Winners are celebrated by the city, making conservation feel personal and fun. In the spring, the Fix a Leak campaign keeps the momentum going with a Family 5K, scavenger hunt, and community events alongside local water agencies. Meanwhile, classroom resources and take-home activity sheets help reinforce water conservation at school and at home. Families can also request a free water conservation kit and take advantage of rebates for high-efficiency toilets and rain barrels, making it easy to save both water and money.

How Families Can Engage

Because this is a city program, taking part looks like joining-in rather than visiting a storefront. Enter your child in the fall art contest, sign up for the Fix a Leak Family 5K and scavenger hunt in spring, order a free kit, or browse the indoor and outdoor water-saving resources on the program’s website. The team is easy to reach through the city’s contact form with questions, and the site lists whatever campaign is running right now.