MWDOC’s Water Education Mascot Inspires Budding Artists by Municipal Water District of Orange County Aug 8, 2023 Member Submitted News For over 30 years, the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) has presented an awards ceremony for K-12 student winners of its annual Water Awareness Poster Contest. Due to his local celebrity status and renowned water-saving habits, Ricky the Rambunctious RaindropSM frequently appears in the artwork of many of the posters submitted each year. For nearly five decades, Ricky has been a symbol of inspiration and guidance for generations of Orange County water users, instilling a sense of personal and collective responsibility to be good water stewards. Initially introduced in 1973 to Orange County classrooms, Ricky has played a vital role in sparking students’ curiosity in water-related topics such as the water cycle, Orange County’s water supply sources, and the importance of using water wisely. This year, poster contest winners, their teachers and families were invited to Shipley Nature Center to join Ricky in a full day of interactive outdoor exploration to discover the significance of water and how to protect our limited supply. In addition to celebrating aspiring young artists, Ricky also makes special appearances through the MWDOC’s Choice School Program and at community events. No matter where he’s at, others can join Ricky in committing to water conservation by participating in a free Water Pledge HERE. Ricky is just one of the many reasons that OC is water-smart!
