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Drinking Water Week Photo Contest Voting: Employee "Best in Show" Category (Non-Voting)

Rapid City Water Division

In conjunction with the American Water Works Association’s annual Drinking Water Week, a photo contest was held in April to showcase the importance of drinking water to our community. This year’s theme is “Rapid City Reflections” in celebration of the community's 150th anniversary of its founding.
Scroll down to view the 17 employee entries and a description of how the photo fits with this year's theme. The winning "Best in Show" image will be chosen by staff of the Rapid City Water Division.
The winner will receive a South Dakota State Parks Pass and their photo will also be used by the Water Division in future publications and marketing materials.

1 | Canyon Lake Blue Heron

The beautiful Blue Heron quietly reflects on it's surroundings. This quiet moment at Canyon Lake can evoke reflection within, encouraging onlookers to pause and consider the calm of the surroundings.

Location: Canyon Lake
Emily Fisher
Emily Fisher

2 | Gettin His Fill

Little Lance loves his water!

Location: Home
Robert Crumb
Robert Crumb

3 | Golden Hour at Pactola

This picture has a beautiful reflection as the sun is going down on Pactola!

Location: Pactola
Ria Hannon
Ria Hannon

4 | Ice Fishing!

This photo provides some reflection on the ice as the sun begins to rise! One could reflect on many things as they sit in the stillness of the morning as the sun comes up.

Location: Pactola
Ria Hannon
Ria Hannon

5 | Lime Creek with Briar

There are so many beautiful places in Rapid City, this is one of Briar's favorites. She loves to reflect on life as a dog while listening to Lime Creek trickling along.

Location: Lime Creek southwest of the Outdoor Campus
Emily Fisher
Emily Fisher

6 | Rocky Reflections

Reflecting upon its 150 years, Rapid City has experienced some 'rocky' times but has always met those challenges, relying on hard work and neighbors and community pride. Despite those challenges, Rapid City has been a rock of resilience, stability and beauty, and its water sources - Rapid Creek, Canyon Lake, Memorial Lake - have been a source of reflection, strength and solace for our citizens.

Location: West side of Canyon Lake
Darrell Shoemaker
Darrell Shoemaker

7 | Rub-A-Dub-Dub A Kittie in the Tub

We are not kitties and need to take a bath with water. Thank you Water Department for the clean water to take a bath.

Location: Home
Lorrie Knight
Lorrie Knight

8 | Turtley Impressed by Rapid City

Nobody asked the turtles if they wanted to be part of Rapid City's cultural scene but here they are, waiting for the show to start.

Location: Memorial Park
Megan Johnson
Megan Johnson

9 | Winter's Reflection

Water sustains us through the seasons of life. Even on a quiet, chilly winter's day, the reflections cast on a quiet stream or lake provides each of us the privilege to ponder, to cherish and to reflect on how precious life is each day and how important water is in our life's pursuits and experiences.

Location: Cliffside Park
Darrell Shoemaker
Darrell Shoemaker

10 | Canyon Lake Heron

At Canyon Lake Park, the heron stands still while its reflection shifts with the water.

Location: Canyon Lake Park
Megan Johnson
Megan Johnson

11 | Grandpa's Reflections

A grandfather teaching his grandchildren to fish; but more importantly, passing down knowledge, traditions and work ethic. It reflects a culture that values relationships, mentorship and simple shared experiences.

Location: Canyon Lake
Emily Fisher
Emily Fisher

12 | Misty Morning

Rapid City Canyon Lake early morning fog.

Location: Canyon Lake
Roger Hall
Roger Hall

13 | Overview

Rainbow over Rapid City as it weathers the storm.

Location: Whispering Pines
Justin Huntley
Justin Huntley

14 | Puddle Ducks 2026 (Dry Year)

Rapid City wildlife like the water. If you don't have water you are just stuck in the mud.

Location: Rapid Valley
Lorrie Knight
Lorrie Knight

15 | Reflections at Canyon Lake

The ultimate reflection right here!!

Location: Canyon Lake
Ria Hannon
Ria Hannon

16 | Serenity 4:31 am

Early morning reflecting waters.

Location: Canyon Lake
Roger Hall
Roger Hall

17 | Water is a Reflection of Us

Water is a constant in our lives but can't ever be taken for granted. Whether in a glass, a bowl, a creek or a lake, water is a reflection of ourselves and our lives - times we are full of life, times we are at a low point or empty inside, times when we live at a rapid pace like a fast-moving stream, times when we are calm and at ease like a quiet stream or lake - our hearts beating like the waves lapping the shores of a stream or lake bank.

Location: Canyon Lake
Darrell Shoemaker
Darrell Shoemaker