The Bethpage Water District welcomed over 150 local fifth-grade students for a behind-the-scenes tour and immersive and educational water program, providing a firsthand look at how drinking water is delivered to the community.
Over the course of three days (March 17, 18, 19), students from the Bethpage School District visited the District’s state-of-the-art Plant 6 facility on Motor Lane. Through this interactive experience, students learned about water conservation, the Long Island aquifer system, and the advanced treatment processes that ensure high-quality, reliable drinking water.
The water educational program is part of the annual partnership between the Bethpage Water District and the Bethpage Union Free School District. This year’s program has been enhanced to provide a more engaging and comprehensive learning experience. Students explored the full water treatment cycle—from groundwater sourcing to final purification—while interacting with innovative displays, a mobile education unit, and multimedia presentations designed to bring the process to life.
"It is important for students to understand where their water comes from and the work that goes into delivering it every day," said Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Black. "By seeing the process firsthand, they gain a greater appreciation for this essential resource and the importance of protecting it."
Bethpage Water District Superintendent Michael J. Boufis emphasized the District’s continued commitment to education and innovation. “We take great pride in not only providing high-quality drinking water, but also in educating the next generation about the infrastructure and technology behind it,” said Boufis. “Programs like this help build awareness and encourage responsible water use for years to come.”
Students observed multiple stages of treatment across the facility, gaining a deeper understanding of the advanced systems in place that meet or exceed all local, state, and federal water quality standards.
A key contributor to the ongoing success of the program is Bethpage Union Free School District’s Science Enrichment Director and 21st Century Program Manager, Lorraine Marcis. She has been instrumental in advancing this partnership, and expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, “This continued partnership with the Bethpage Water District gives our students a unique opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world application. Experiencing the water treatment process firsthand sparks curiosity, encourages critical thinking, and helps students better understand the importance of protecting our water resources.”
The Bethpage Water District continues to set the standard for high-quality water delivery. Commissioners and staff are committed to providing information and education to ensure the next generation is equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their water usage and conservation efforts.
The Bethpage Water District is a leader in New York State in terms of delivering the highest quality drinking water to their community. The District has designed, constructed, and currently maintains the most advanced and complex drinking water treatment systems in the nation. The Bethpage Water District reached a historic achievement in 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of the local water utility.