The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) teamed up with the District Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to host the first Children’s Water Drop Festival at Watkins Recreation Center on Friday, October 28. This free environmental education event was designed to educate and engage students about a variety of water-related topics and environmental issues impacting the quality of our waterways.

During the festival, staff from DC Water and several environmental organizations gave students a hands-on environmental lesson about drinking water, wastewater treatment, water quality, and the Anacostia watershed. Additionally, students learned how they can protect and conserve water resources.

“Today’s festival is one way we’re reaching out to our next generation of environmentalists and customers,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. “Young people are fascinated by how water affects their lives and how the system works. We’re looking forward to working with more students of all ages in the District in 2012.”

Some of the exhibits included water testing, simulated wastewater treatment system; a demonstration on how polluted water runoff affects our waterways; and a reenactment of the water cycle. Students also toured a mobile water quality lab and participated in recycling and water relays. Following the event, each student received environmental information handouts, activity books, pencils, and water bottles. They also walked away with a souvenir t-shirt and group photo with DC Water’s mascot, Wendy the Waterdrop.

Director of DC Parks and Recreation Jesus Aguirre commented, “The Water Drop Festival is a fun and engaging way to encourage our children to contemplate the importance of a great natural resource. The event displays that children are the future stewards of our water and they will take away lessons on how to utilize and conserve water for years to come.”