CCWD’s new mascot Dewey dropping in to raise awareness
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 11, 2023) — The abundance of rain that descended on the region over winter also brought with it a big old water droplet called Dewey, the Contra Costa Water District’s (CCWD) new lovable mascot.
Dewey has been in the works for a couple of months as part of the district’s outreach going forward and made his debut at the Pleasant Hill 4th of July parade.
“It is part of efforts to have more of a presence in the community,” said Jennifer Allen, director of public affairs.
Dewey represents the latest incarnation of a mascot, if it could be called that, when decades ago Willie Water was believed to have at least appeared in image form as part of district literature.
“The mascot is the latest piece in CCWD’s community engagement efforts, which also includes water education programs for local youths, a speakers bureau program for local groups and organizations, tabling at various community events, facility tours, and much more,” Allen said.
Watery mission
Dewey’s mission is multi-faceted with educating customers about the safe, clean, reliable water that CCWD provides to more than 500,000 customers first and foremost. As well as Allen noted he is there to remind everyone of the importance of conservation and stewardship.
Raising awareness about the exciting and rewarding careers at CCWD and in the water industry is an additional goal.
“Through planning, innovation, and efficiency, CCWD is working to ensure its customers have reliable water for today and tomorrow.” Allen said.
Along with handlers who accompanied Dewey as he moved along behind one of CCWD’s maintenance trucks in the Pleasant Hill event, the CCWD also was represented by Board Vice President Antonio Martinez, Board Director John Burgh, General Manager Rachel Murphy, and other staff and supporters who were there to raise awareness about CCWD’s vital service in the community.
Dewey will make appearances at various community events throughout the district’s service area with the next stop coming at Antioch’s Big Truck Day on Thursday, September 21, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. To get updates on Dewey and find out about future appearances, follow CCWD on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The mascot is the latest piece in CCWD’s community engagement efforts, which also includes water education programs for local youths, a speakers bureau program for local groups and organizations, tabling at various community events, facility tours, and much more.
Dewey is seeking to make a splash in other community events. Contact the CCWD Public Affairs Department at 1-925-688-8109 if interested in having him drop in.
David Scholz
David Scholz is back in journalism as a freelance writer and photographer after nearly two decades in education. Prior to moving into teaching in 2000, he worked as a full-time journalist since 1988 for rural community and small daily newspapers in Central Ohio and Northern Nevada, and later in California with The Business Journal in Fresno and dailies in the Bay Area, including The Oakland Tribune and The San Francisco Chronicle. More recently Scholz also worked in an editing, writing, and page layout role with the Rossmoor News.