WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) has commissioned and released an informational cartoon, called "A Drop’s Life," to explain the largest construction project in the Authoritys history to the public.

The Clean Rivers Project is a 20-year, $2.6 billion program to reduce combined-sewer runoff to the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and Rock Creek by 96 percent. Construction is due to begin this summer on a series of tunnels to capture combined sewage and convey it to the Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant. Currently, combined sewage flows into the Districts waterways during periods of even moderate rain.

"Clean Rivers is the biggest thing weve ever done," said DC Water General Manager George S. Hawkins. "Its also the single most important step of a generation in improving the Districts waterways. This cartoon gets those points across in a simple but informative way."

DC Waters new educational tool about the Clean Rivers Project, "A Drops Life," was produced by Free Range Studios, a District- and California-based animation company with deep roots in environmental advocacy. It tells the story of the Clean Rivers Project from the perspective of a single raindrop, and features a cameo by DC Waters popular Wendy the Waterdrop mascot. The Authority will use the 4-1/2 minute video at community meetings and online, and will circulate it to local television and cable stations for airing.

"The importance of taking care of our waterways and rivers, of shedding light on the relationship between metropolitan areas and these natural resources, is critical," said Erica Priggen, Free Range Studios Executive Producer. "Free Range was honored to help tell the Clean Rivers Project story in an engaging and educational way, to help teach people about the important work that DC Water is doing for the Districts communities and ecosystems."

A Drops Life: http://bit.ly/adropslife