As part of Cal Water’s 100-year anniversary celebration, fire hydrants in downtown Oroville are getting a facelift, and the time has come to unveil the student artists behind the masterpieces that will soon add a splash of color to those hydrants.

The designs of 18 local students, from kindergarten through 12^th grade, which include everything from adorable dalmatians to Feather River Salmon to rainbows and more, are making their way to 18 of Cal Water’s 467 hydrants citywide in Oroville as part of the Hydrant Art Challenge. Cal Water partnered with the Oroville Fire Department, Oroville Arts Commission, and local schools to launch the challenge, which invited students to add a splash of color to hydrants. The winning designs, along with the hydrant locations where they will be painted, include:

• Angel M., “Splotches & Stripes,” Montgomery and Oak streets
• Harper L., “Fire Dog,” 1790 Montgomery St.
• Will B., “Cactus,” Montgomery and Huntoon streets
• Tina H., “Underwater Flowers,” Montgomery and Myers streets
• Anonymous, “Flame,” 2110 Montgomery St.
• Isabella M., “Feather River Salmon,” Arlin Rhine Drive and Huntoon Street
• Silas C., “Emoji Hydrant,” Bird and Oak streets
• Lily G., “Flower Art,” Lincoln and Bird streets
• Gabby R., “Rosie,” Bird and Huntoon streets
• Addison R., “Flying Bird,” Bird and Myers streets
• Alice G., “Sunshine,” Bird Street and Downer Avenue
• Abagale W., “Pink Zebra Stripes,” 1735 Robinson St.
• Lillie J., “Rainbow Hydrant,” Lincoln and Robinson streets
• Amelia M., “California Poppies,” Huntoon and Robinson streets
• Anonymous, “Rainbow Skies,” 1511 Myers St.
• Malaya, “Blue Skies,” 2120 Robinson St.
• Anonymous, “Sunset on the Lake,” High and Huntoon streets
• Maxine H., “Mike Wazowski,” High and Myers streets

“The Hydrant Art Challenge was a great way to partner with our community, showcase vital water and public safety infrastructure, keep a spotlight on the work our firefighters do to keep us all safe, and get youth involved in our 100-year anniversary—all at the same time,” said Loni Lind, Oroville Local Manager. “We’re proud to be an active part of the Oroville community and work every day to continue providing our customers safe, clean, reliable water.”

A panel of judges reviewed submissions and selected 18 winning designs, representing students from across the community. Painting of the hydrants is now underway, with local artists and volunteers transforming the selected designs into vibrant public art installations that will be displayed throughout downtown Oroville.

The Hydrant Art Challenge celebrates both Cal Water’s century of service and the creativity of Oroville’s youth while helping beautify the community. Once completed, the painted hydrants will serve as colorful reminders of the partnership among local students, artists, and community organizations that made the project possible.