This book is dedicated to
my family for putting up
with me while I wrote
and illustrated this book,
and to my teachers
for encouraging the
students to participate in
the Write Off program.
Andrea Serrato

Timmy's mom gave him a glass of tap water.
Timmy doesn't want to drink the water because
he thinks it's gross. He saw it come from the faucet.
so he isn't going to drink it. His mother thinks
he's being silly and won't let him leave the table
until he drinks his water.

"Man, I do not want to drink this dumb water. It's
full of germs and stuff," Timmy said. While Timmy
stared at the yucky water,
Dr. Tappentu came
through the wall
smiling wonkily.

"Timmy, why do you not want to drink this
splendidly delicious tap water?" Dr. Tappentu asked.
"Well, I don't want to drink it because it came
from the faucet! The tap is icky and yucky and
gross!" Timmy exclaimed.

"No, no, no, no!" Dr. Tappentu
proclaimed, smiling wackily.
"Tap water isn't icky or yucky!
It's delicious, and it's like
bottled water! It's just as
safe! Yup, yup, yup!"

"What do you mean, Dr. Tappentu?" Timmy asked.

"I mean, my dear boy, that bottled water and tap
water are the same! Yup, yup, yup! They both
come from the same source. The only difference is
that bottled water costs more than tap water.
Would you rather buy a gallon for about a penny
or 8 oz. for more than one dollar?" he asked.

"Yeah, Dr. Tappentu, I get it. But don't they clean
bottled water more than tap?" Timmy asked.

"Nope, nuh-uh, negative, wrong. That's not
necessarily true, Timmy. In fact, tap water is
monitored for more than 100 chemicals!"
Dr. Tappentu excitedly pointed out.

"I'm still not sure I should drink this
water. I know tap water comes
through pipes, so isn't that bad?"
Timmy asked.

"Oh, no. They treat it and add chlorine
to keep it clean! I mean, bottled water
can be contaminated from the chemicals
that come from the plastic bottles!"
Dr. Tappentu stated.

"In fact, tap water has many
uses for its splendidly low
price! It delivers public
health, provides fire safety,
and is good for the economy!
It helps clean dishes, wash
clothes and cars, and waters
plants, yes it does! Yup, yup,
yup! Don't you agree?" Dr.
Tappentu asked excitedly.

Timmy still looked unsure. "Are
you sure?" he asked Dr. Tappentu.
"Yes, I'm positive! Now Timmy, go
ahead and drink it! I'd like you to,
yes I would! That tap water has
many uses; many people are glad
to have it! It is easy to get. Now,
please take a sip, Timmy!"
Dr. Tappentu pleaded.
"Okay, if you say so," Timmy
replied, holding the glass.
"Oh, but I do!" Dr. Tappentu
said gleefully.

Timmy looked at the glass for a very, very long
time, preparing. He finally went for it and took a
sip. A minute passed before Timmy broke into a
big, giant smile. "Wow Dr. Tappentu, that wasn't
so bad after all! It tastes just like bottled water!
In fact, I would say it is very yummy! That tap
water is good!" Timmy exclaimed, smiling.

"Oh Timmy, my dear boy, I'm very happy that
you like it! That is fantastic!" Dr. Tappentu
smiled. "Now you know the joys of tap water!
Tap water is good for you. Yes, it's true. So, drink
up! Drink up! I'm sure you'll ask for more!"