DC Water has just published its first ever children’s book, Wendy, Where Does Our Wastewater Go?

This brightly colored and easy-to read book aims to take complex environmental and engineering themes and make them accessible to children, ages 6 - 12.

The story follows the DC Water mascot, Wendy the Water Drop, as she takes a group of curious students through all of the steps that wastewater takes from their homes, through Blue Plains, and eventually back to the Potomac.

To celebrate the publication of the book, DC Water wants to get children and families involved in their neighborhoods with a Little Free Library giveaway.

There are about a dozen books hidden in little Libraries across all 8 Wards. Families are encouraged to check a location near them for one of the special copies. Anyone who finds one of the special books, marked with a bright blue star, can contact DC Water at education@dcwater.com to win an assortment of branded prizes, mailed to their home. 

The book was developed by Blue Drop LLC, DC Water’s non-profit affiliate created to market DC Water’s products and technologies to generate cost savings for DC Water and reduce the impact of rate increases for DC Water customers.

The publication is written by Torri Epperson, DC Water’s Education Outreach Coordinator. Epperson, a one-time teacher, said this book will serve as a new way to connect students with the purpose and function of their local water utility. This book is illustrated by Deborah Han and Designed by Jacob Bilich, both students at Georgetown University.

The Authority currently interacts with dozens of schools annually to provide lessons and activities for students in the District about water, wastewater, stormwater and environmental stewardship. Programming has continued despite limitations created by the health pandemic. The first of several virtual storytime events occurred on October 23, 2020 and featured special guests, the Kindergarten class from Harriet Tubman Elementary. This experience was also live streamed via DC Water’s Facebook and Instagram platforms.

“I am hopeful that students and their families will engage with this book and understand the many ways in which access to clean water and innovative wastewater treatment improves their quality of life and also affects our stewardship of the environment,” Ms. Epperson said.

The new book will retail for $14.99 and will be available via the Blue Drop Shop and at select bookstores across the District. Additional free copies will be provided to local charities and classrooms within the service area and 10% of all sales will be donated to DC Water’s S.P.L.A.S.H. customer assistance program.

Copies of the book are available for media upon request.