Washington, DC – The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) hosted its annual Children’s Water Drop Festival at John Burroughs Education Campus on June 19, 2014. Approximately 80 students participated in this free, outdoor environmental education program, exploring and investigating various aspects of water. This event was designed to provide students a hands-on opportunity to learn about their drinking water and raise awareness about environmental issues affecting our water resources.

Students participated in a variety of interactive games, activities and exhibits about the drinking water, water quality, water pollution, and the Anacostia watershed. Some of the learning stations included a mobile water conservation unit, water testing, recycling and water relays, and a video showing of “A Drop’s Life”, a brief animated cartoon explaining the Clean Rivers Project. In addition, students toured the mobile water quality lab, took group photos with DC Water’s mascot, Wendy the Water Drop, and painted water-themed murals.

“This festival gives our future environmentalists and conservationists an experiential learning opportunity to discuss our water resources and complex issues affecting the health of our waterways,” said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. “By providing students a fun and engaging hands-on experience, we hope they will be inspired to protect and appreciate this precious resource.”

Following the event, students received gift bags filled with DC Water souvenirs. Giveaways included water bottles, pencils, lanyards, toothpaste rollers, and water quality refrigerator magnets. In addition, students received a sun visor for participating.

The Children’s Water Drop Festival is held annually and rotates to an elementary school in each ward. Next year, the event will be held at a Ward 4 school. DC Water has previously hosted this event in Wards 6, 7, and 8.