The numbers are impressive. 2,250 miles of pipes. 54 tanks and covered reservoirs. And enough water to fill up 144 Olympic-size swimming pools every single day. Who keeps it flowing? That's right, Drippy the Water Drop. Always brimming with enthusiasm, Drippy personifies the confidence and dedication that helps the Portland Water Bureau deliver around 30 billion gallons of water to nearly 1 million people year in, year out. With the celebration of the Washington Park Reservoir site right around the corner, we caught up with Drippy to find out more about the call of the pipes.
How long have you been working at Water?
As a drop of water, I’m older than the Portland Water Bureau itself. In other words, you could say I’m an OG. I’ve been working at the bureau since we first built Portland’s gravity powered water system in the 1890s! After spending over 100 years behind the scenes, I released my debut hit single “H2O” last summer.
(What’s the secret to looking this good when you’re hundreds of years old, you ask? Staying hydrated of course! Come drink me, H2O.)
What was your previous gig?
I was part of a little something called the water cycle. Have you heard of it?
How did you get into this line of work?
Well, when two hydrogen atoms and an oxygen atom fall in love…
What does your workday look like?
I start each day at one of my two homes, the Bull Run Watershed or the Columbia South Shore Well Field. Then, I get a nice spa treatment at our water treatment facilities. That’s how I maintain this high-quality, dewy body.
From there, I go with the flow. I view our water system’s 2,250 miles of pipe as my personal water slide. Some days I like to chill in the underground reservoirs at Powell Butte or Washington Park. Other days, I stop by a water quality sampling station or visit my friends at the water quality lab. (I’m pretty proactive about my health.) You might catch me helping replace a water main or surfing a hydrant flushing wave.
I have over 600 coworkers constantly working to maintain and improve my water system. So, I never run out of people to bother… uh, I mean help. I’m totally helping.
How do you tap into your passion?
My passion is that sweet Portland life juice. So I just turn on the tap! Of course, it takes a lot of work to keep the high-quality H2O flowing. That’s why I like to hype my Portland Water crew whenever I can. I love attending events so I can spread the good word: Portland Water is the best!
Speaking of events, where can your fans find you next?
Catch me celebrating the Washington Park Reservoir site with the Public Works fam on June 14! When I’m not busy staring at myself in one of the new reflecting pools, I’ll be available for selfies. Be there or be square! Check out portland.gov/resopening for all the deets.
And who knows, maybe I’ll be coming soon to a water glass near you. Stay hydrated!
