The Bethpage Water District recently impressed students with a special behind-the-scenes tour and a new interactive program designed to foster water conservation awareness. The initiative also deepened their understanding of where their drinking water comes from and the steps they can take to protect this vital resource.
This year, over 150 students from nine classes took part in this immersive experience at one of the District’s state-of-the-art water treatment facilities at Plant 6 (Motor Lane). The District has one of the most advanced suburban water treatment facilities in New York State – and possibly the nation. Through this initiative, students gained critical insight into the importance of water conservation and the role they play in preserving high-quality drinking water for future generations.
"It is essential for students to see firsthand where their drinking water comes from," said Bethpage Water District Commissioner Teri Black. "By experiencing the process, they gained a real-world understanding of the technology and expertise that goes into delivering high-quality water to their homes. This initiative was informative and empowering. All District Commissioners hope it inspires these students to appreciate and conserve water in their daily lives."
Students gained insight into the cutting-edge water treatment processes that ensures the high quality drinking water we provide to residents meets or exceeds all local, state, and federal guidelines. Superintendent Michael J. Boufis emphasized the importance of the Bethpage Water District’s pioneering technology in the industry: “We are proud to be the first in the country to implement this advanced system. Our investment in this technology ensures that our residents and customers will always have access to high-quality drinking water."
A key contributor to the success of the program was Bethpage Union Free School District’s Science Enrichment Coordinator and 21st Century Program Manager, Lorraine Marcis. She was instrumental in advancing this partnership, and expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, “This collaboration with the Bethpage Water District transformed the way students are engaging and learning about the world around them. Seeing the process firsthand fostered curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for the importance of water conservation in their everyday lives.”
Students visiting the facility saw the full water treatment cycle – from sourcing groundwater to final purification – learning about the equipment and technology used throughout the process. Innovative learning tools, including interactive displays and an educational mobile unit, provided a dynamic and stimulating approach to water education.
The Bethpage Water District continues to set the standard for high-quality water delivery. Commissioners and staff are committed to providing information to ensure the next generation is equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their water usage and conservation efforts.