PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2013
Contact: Tim Motz
(631) 563-0396 (o)
(631) 445-0562 (c)
tmotz@scwa.com
SCWA Unveils Hydrogeology Kiosk at Mt. Sinai Park
Display Featuring Suffolk's Water Cycle Will Help
Educate Park Visitors about the Source of our Water
The Suffolk County Water Authority this week unveiled a hydrogeology kiosk at Heritage Park in Mt. Sinai to educate park visitors about the source of the drinking water that is so vital to our everyday lives.
The unveiling of the kiosk took place on Earth Day, April 22. In attendance at the unveiling were Brookhaven Town Supervisior Ed Romaine; Suffolk Legislator Sarah Anker; Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner; former Suffolk Legislator Vivian Viloria-Fisher; President of Heritage Trust Lori Baldassare; Brookhaven Town Parks Commissioner Ed Morris; SCWA Director of Communications, Government Affairs and Efficiency Management Tim Motz; and Fred Drewes, a Heritage Trust volunteer who spearheaded the effort to have the kiosk created for the park.
The kiosk was created by SCWA to educate visitors to the park about the source of our local water. The display includes a graphic of the water cycle, with accompanying text and photos explaining how the water cycle works, how our aquifer system was formed, and how SCWA distributes water to Suffolk residents. The display is supported by a 12" water main, the same kind of pipe that supplies water all throughout the county. An out-of-service fire hydrant was also installed as part of the display.
"Suffolk's groundwater is an important resource and all citizens should know where it comes from and where it goes," said Drewes, who worked with SCWS officials on design and content issues throughout the process. "Visitors can learn about our sole source of water, the water cycle and the geology of Suffolk County from this impressive exhibit. I thank SCWA for adding this feature to Heritage Park in Mount Sinai."
"The protection of our ground water supply is critical and the more we can educate people, the better we will be able to prserve this important natural resource," said supervisor Ed Romaine, "I thank the Suffolk County Water Authority and the Heritage Trust for providing this wonderful new addition to one of Brokkhaven's most beautiful parks."
"I frequently come across people with misperceptions as to where our local water source comes from," said Legislator Anker. "This is a wonderful way to educate the public and give them accurate information regarding our water supply."
The Heritage Trust, a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation dedicated to enhancing natural resources and the distinctive character of the communities surrounding the park, contacted SCWA about the feasibility of bringing an educational kiosk to the park.
"This is another example of how an effective public-private partnership can enhance and maximize benefits to the public," said Baldassare.
"We are delighted to be able to provide this unique and attractive means of educating park visitors about the source of their precious and vital water supply," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo.
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.