NYC DEP Unveils "Drippy" New Water Drop Mascot to Promote NYC Tap Water, Conservation, and Environmental Stewardship

 

Friendly New Character Was Designed by Students and Faculty at the Fashion Institute of Technology

Drippy Will Appear at Schools, Community Events, and City Celebrations Across the Five Boroughs

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) unveiled “Drippy,” the agency’s new official mascot—a cheerful, shimmering blue water drop designed to help New Yorkers learn more about the City’s world-renowned drinking water, conservation efforts, and environmental stewardship.

“I am thrilled to welcome Drippy to the DEP team! Drippy will help teach New Yorkers all about water—how it travels, the many ways we use it, and the everyday actions we can all take to protect it,” said DEP Commissioner Lisa F. Garcia. “We’re excited for all the smiles, learning, and water‑saving fun ahead. Big thanks to our partners at NYC Public Schools, FIT, and DDC for bringing Drippy to life.”

Drippy was created through a partnership between DEP, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and the NYC Department of Design and Construction’s Town+Gown program.

“Visual storytelling is one of the central tenets of the Illustration BFA program at FIT so when we were asked to create a visual story of the water treatment system of NYC we needed a character to represent water itself,” said Chair Dan Shefelman, Illustration & Interactive Media, FIT. “The SUNY FIT Illustration BFA program's partnership with NYC DEP is one of our proudest accomplishments. The idea of a drop of water traveling through the system evolved through the creative process after spending time touring the incredible Newtown Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. Drippy came to life through the creative efforts of our undergraduate students under the guidance of faculty and Illustration MFA students. We are very excited to see Drippy literally come to life as the new NYC DEP Mascot.”

“Bringing ‘Drippy’ to life would not have been possible without the amazing collaboration with FIT and DEP within our Town+Gown: NYC program, a unique community-university partnership,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. “DDC manages a $34 billion portfolio that includes upgrading the City’s water system, and we know how important it is to save water and protect this critical infrastructure. We are not only building but—with our partners—we are also educating New Yorkers of all ages in innovative ways.”

Drippy debuted today at Archer Elementary School in the Bronx, helping teach fifth grade students about New York City’s unique water cycle, the different types of water infrastructure that keep the city running, the importance of water conservation, and the everyday steps residents can take to protect vital natural resources and the environment.

“What better way to close out this school year’s Climate Action Days than by introducing Drippy to the scholars of Archer Elementary,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “The interactive coloring books and hands-on learning allow students to explore the full story of New York City’s water system in a fun and engaging way. From where our drinking water comes from, to how wastewater is treated and the impact of stormwater, we are empowering our young New Yorkers to become the next generation of NYC's climate leaders.”

Today’s event coincided with the final Climate Action Day of the school year for NYC Public Schools. Climate Action Days provide hands-on, solutions-focused learning opportunities centered on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and climate awareness.

Drippy was created as part of DEP’s expanded public outreach and environmental education efforts. Throughout the summer, Drippy will appear at events and locations across the five boroughs, helping inspire kids, families, residents, and visitors to learn more about New York City’s water system and the important role DEP plays in protecting public health and the environment.

“Drippy represents something every New Yorker relies on every single day—clean, safe, reliable drinking water,” said DEP Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs Beth DeFalco. “We wanted a mascot that could connect with kids, families, and visitors in a memorable way while highlighting the incredible work DEP employees do to deliver more than 1 billion gallons of water each day.”

DEP first partnered with FIT’s nationally recognized Illustration BFA and MFA programs on Drippy’s Water Adventure, an interactive 40-page coloring and activity book that follows Drippy and friends through New York City’s water journey—from mountain reservoirs to homes, treatment plants, and local waterways.

As part of today’s event, Drippy joined students in cleaning a neighborhood catch basin and distributed copies of the coloring book. A digital version of the coloring book is available on DEP’s education webpage, and educators can request printed copies through DEP’s Education Team.

About the Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.3 million people in New York City. The water comes from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles north and west of the city and includes 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. DEP also maintains approximately 7,000 miles of water mains and aqueducts, 7,500 miles of sewer lines, 96 pump stations, and 14 wastewater resource recovery facilities. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.

About New York City Public Schools

New York City Public Schools is the largest public school system in the United States, serving approximately one million students across more than 1,600 schools throughout the five boroughs. Through sustainability initiatives and climate education programming, NYC Public Schools are helping prepare students to become future environmental leaders.