15-minute educational video produced by the City of Columbus Division of Water (~1994). Opens with Detective Drip Tracer (Dick Tracy parody mascot) introducing the "case of the vanishing water." First half is a documentary tour of Columbus water infrastructure , sources (Hoover Reservoir, O'Shaughnessy, Griggs, groundwater wells), three treatment plants (Hap Cremean, Dublin Road, Parsons Avenue), and the full 8-stage treatment process (screening, coagulation, sedimentation, softening, recarbonation, filtration, chlorination, fluoridation). Covers distribution (3,000+ miles of lines, 125M gallons/day), water quality labs, automated operations control center, and the 1992 Olentangy transmission line. Second half is an animated/music-video segment with the "Water Wasters" learning conservation tips: turn off faucet while brushing/shaving, fix leaks, use water-saving bags in toilet tanks, wash full loads, water lawns 1 inch/week, take shorter showers. Mentions the "Water Beyond 2000" study (started 1990) projecting 55M additional gallons needed by 2020, and expansion plans for southern Franklin County wells and upground reservoirs.
Content Log
Session (2026-04-28)
- Detective Drip Tracer , Dick Tracy parody mascot for Columbus water conservation
- Drip Tracer music video
- Water conservation cartoon shorts
About This Tape
Commercial Release. Released ~1994. Brand: City of Columbus Division of Water. Condition: Good.
Streamed: 2026-04-28 on Twitch.
Archive ID: VHS-2026-627
