Eastern Municipal Water District’s (EMWD) beloved wastewater mascot, Patrick the Poo, was honored this week with the 2022 National Environmental Achievement Award by the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) for excellence in public information and education.
EMWD received the award at NACWA’s 2023 conference in Sonoma on February 14, 2023.
EMWD was recognized for its viral video sensation Patrick the Poo, which has amassed nearly 100,000 views on YouTube. The EMWD wastewater mascot teaches children and adults alike the importance of protecting their sewer system.
Patrick the Poo was introduced in 2019 and has played a pivotal role in EMWD’s years-long campaign to promote environmental responsibility and water supply sustainability through his Sewer Smart messaging.
Wastewater is EMWD’s largest customer segment with more than 260,000 accounts. Patrick’s message is important because by keeping the wastewater system clean of fats, oils, grease, and prescription drugs, customers can protect EMWD’s sewer system infrastructure and recycled water quality.
Improved recycled water quality not only benefits customers but also ensures a higher quality supply when EMWD advances its planned Purified Water Replenishment program, which will use advanced treated recycled water to replenish the local groundwater basin, where it will one day become drinking water.
“EMWD would like to thank NACWA for this honor and for recognizing the important role Patrick the Poo plays in educating our customers,” EMWD Board President Phil Paule said. “What started out as a fun idea for kids has blossomed into a popular and unique way for us to encourage customers to protect our wastewater system and improve the water cycle.