The Suffolk County Water Authority and the Town of Southold recently unveiled a "hydration station" at the Peconic Recreation Center, marking 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.
The installation of the new, reusable water bottle refilling station—commonly known as a "hydration station"—at the center will offer members of the public an easy way to refill reusable water bottles. It is estimated that tens of millions of plastic water bottles are thrown out in the United States every day.
Under the arrangement, SCWA paid for the hydration station, with installation, maintenance and electricity provided by the town.
From left: Suffolk County Water Authority Director of Communications Tim Motz and Town of Southold Supervisor Scott Russell at the new hydration station at the Peconic Recreation Center.
"We’re very proud of the water we serve and also of our reputation as a company with a strong commitment to sustainability," SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo said. "This collaboration with the Town of Southold emphasizes that the commitment to sustainability is shared by town officials as well."
"The Town of Southold is pleased to partner with the Suffolk County Water Authority to support its mission of providing clean, safe water to the residents of Southold Town," said Town of Southold Supervisor Scott Russell.
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.