MWDOC’s Ricky Raindrop Celebrates 50 Years of Water Stewardship
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. (September 18, 2024) — The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) celebrated the 50th anniversary of its cherished mascot, Ricky the Rambunctious Raindrop℠ (Ricky), with a special ceremony at MWDOC headquarters. The event showcased the introduction of a new appearance for Ricky, heartening accounts of his enduring impact on water education and the community, and the presentation of legislative certificates commemorating this significant milestone.
Special guests from various agencies joined the celebration at MWDOC’s headquarters, including ‘Admiral Splash’, from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (Metropolitan), and representatives from numerous state and federal legislative offices. Director Megan Yoo Schneider, P.E., of MWDOC’s board, and Mary Jane Foley, a former MWDOC employee who integrated Ricky into MWDOC’s education program, shared sentiments about the tremendous impact that Ricky has had on Orange County by teaching water awareness.
“Ricky sparked my interest and passion for water when I was introduced to him in the classroom,” said Director Megan Yoo Schneider. “He is loveable and endearing but he is also that connection for us to remember why water is so important.” Mary Jane Foley added, “I didn’t create Ricky but raised him. I am so proud of Ricky the Raindrop legacy because it made a difference.”
In 1974, an Orange County school teacher imagined and brought to life Ricky Raindrop℠ to educate the public on the importance of saving water. Since then, Ricky has reached more than 3.5 million K-12 students through videos, activity books, and special appearances, helping students understand complex water topics in a fun and memorable way. Ricky’s has made guest appearances at more than 250 community events since 2005 and through social media, sharing the message of good water stewardship.
For more information about the event or about Ricky the Rambunctious Raindrop℠ and MWDOC’s educational programs, visit www.mwdoc.com.
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The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is a wholesale water provider and resource planning agency whose efforts focus on sound planning and appropriate investments in water supply, water use efficiency and conservation, public information and outreach, legislative advocacy, water education for all ages, and emergency preparedness. MWDOC’s 27 water agencies, comprised of both city water departments and water districts, provide water service to the public.