The Suffolk County Water Authority and the Town of Babylon this week unveiled the result of a unique collaboration aimed at reducing the waste of plastic water bottles and raising public awareness about the safe and constantly tested public water supply.
On Wednesday, September 13, SCWA Chairman James F. Gaughran, Board Secretary Patrick G. Halpin, Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Councilman Antonio A. Martinez and Town Clerk Carol Quirk celebrated the installation of a brand new reusable water bottle refilling station—commonly known as a "hydration station"—located on the first floor of Town Hall and open to the public. Under the arrangement, SCWA paid for the station, with installation, maintenance and electricity provided by the town.
Suffolk County Water Authority and Town of Babylon officials with the new "Hydration Station" at Babylon Town Hall, Wednesday, September 13. From left are: Babylon Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez, SCWA Chairman James Gaughran, Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Babylon Town Clerk Carol Quirk and SCWA Board Secretary Patrick Halpin.
"I’m proud to partner with Supervisor Schaffer to demonstrate our mutual commitment to sustainability," Gaughran said. "We’re very proud of the water we provide and this station will serve as a reminder to Town of Babylon residents of the high quality of their public water supply. SCWA maintains internal standards for water quality that are more rigorous than standards set by state and federal regulators."
"This hydration station is another part of the Town of Babylon’s efforts to be an environmentally-friendly municipality," Schaffer said. "We welcome our employees and visitors to Town Hall, including our park and playground, to use the station for a refreshing drink of water. Thank you to the Suffolk County Water Authority for making this a possibility."
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.