What's Blue, Round and Popular At Water Events?

Meet Eddy, AWWA’s new huggable, lovable mascot. His clean-water message creates ripples wherever he flows.
What's Blue, Round and Popular At Water Events?
The squeezable and photo-friendly Eddy follows in the footsteps of Willing Water, who served as the AWWA's mascot from the 1940s until the early 1990s.

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Standing a little over 7 feet from the bottom of his aqua-colored Chucks to the tip of his dewdrop cowlick, the American Water Works Association’s newest mascot is a tall drink of water. Meet Eddy, a blue-eyed whirlpool of energy who made his debut at ACE15 last month in Anaheim.

The ever-smiling, white-toothed AWWA mascot has quickly become a fan favorite at conferences, festivals, water events and trade shows. The squeezable and photo-friendly Eddy follows in the footsteps of Willing Water, who served as the association’s mascot from the 1940s until the early 1990s.

The name Eddy was chosen from among dozens submitted by AWWA members, including Hydro and Rio.

“We liked Eddy because it’s short and friendly,” says Melanie Penoyar, senior manager of membership for AWWA. “Also, there was a play on words with a water feature.”

Eddy, who has yet to utter a word, began work in June. Through an interpreter he shared with us his thoughts of being a mascot and his love for water.

MSW: Eddy, tell us about yourself, where do you call home?

EDDY: Where don’t I call home? As you know, you can find water pretty much everywhere, except in California these days. But mainly I’m at the AWWA headquarters in Denver, Colorado.

MSW: How old are you?

EDDY: I’m millions and millions of years old. Moving from the earth to the air and earth again as part of the water cycle, you might say I lived in the real "Jurassic World."

MSW: You’re always smiling but you seem a little blue, why is that?

EDDY: It’s the color most readily identified with water, which is the world’s most important resource. People are about 60 percent water, so I think we all have a little blue in us.

MSW: How were you chosen for this position?

EDDY: It’s a little embarrassing, really. AWWA was looking for a huggable, loveable character — I’m turning purple now as I say that. It’s what happens when I blush.

MSW: Have you always dreamed of being the AWWA mascot?

EDDY: I have. I think blue suits me well. I’ve always been a drop of few words. In fact, no words. From a personal perspective I did consider a career as a college mascot, but I’m happy with the work I do on behalf of the American Water Works Association.


Can you spot Eddy, the AWWA's newest mascot, working the crowd at ACE15 in Anaheim, Calfifornia?

MSW: What do you enjoy about your position?

EDDY: The people. I met up with 12,000 AWWA members in Anaheim and loved every one of them. I love water. I love children. And I love bringing the message about the value of water to everyone, wherever they are.

MSW: Willing Water had a long run as AWWA’s mascot, 50 years, in fact. What’s it like following in his footsteps?

EDDY: He’s a giant; he’s an icon. He’s my mentor. He had a willingness to serve that I can only hope to emulate.

MSW: Can municipalities and civic organizations request your presence at parades, festivals and other events?

EDDY: Absolutely. It’s the reason I exist. I love to help people learn about water and make it easy and fun to understand.

MSW: How can groups reach you?

EDDY: Simply contact Melanie Penoyar, our senior manager of membership at AWWA.

MSW: Is there a cost for having you attend an event?

EDDY: You have to ship me without spilling.

MSW: What message do you have for your many fans?

EDDY: Even though they may love me, every drop of water is valuable, no matter where it is. I want them to know water better, grow to love it deeply and work to keep it clean and abundant.

MSW: What should everyone know about water?

EDDY: In some places there aren’t enough drops like me to go around. It’s important to treat each drop with respect.

MSW: What can we learn from your friends, the water professionals?

EDDY: To use water wisely. Understand our water systems and where water comes from.

MSW: What can be done to conserve this valuable resource?

EDDY: Repair the pipes beneath our streets that are old and leaking, and don’t pollute.

MSW: What should we do if we meet a water professional?

EDDY: Give your water professionals a hug. And thank them for their lifesaving work.



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