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Massapequa Water District unveils educational center
And, they're working to do just that. Thanks to a $10,000 grant from New York State Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, the water district established an education center at one of its wells on Sunrise Highway that was completed in August, 2005. "We hope that we can teach families and youngsters that litter and pollution threatens our water supply," said Constance Belegrinos, business manager of the water district. In addition to supplying drinking water, the district also serves the fire district as well as recreational activities. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the educational center on October 5, Saladino and other local officials gathered with students to get a look at the center for the first time. "Clean, safe water is our most important resource. I am happy to be able to ensure that our underground aquifers generate both pristine and plentiful water for generations to come," said Saladino. School children and local groups such as the Boy Scouts will be able to tour the center, which outlines where the water comes from, how it is cleaned and how it eventually makes its way into homes throughout the district. "In order to provide the best service at the most efficient cost, we reached out to Assemblyman Saladino, knowing his long track record in environmental protection. We are thrilled to be awarded this grant," said the Massapequa Water District's Commissioner, John Caruso. Visitors will also be taught how growing native plants will save on water and that avoiding the use of chemicals on lawns and in gardens also protects the water supply. Behind the center, a short nature trail shows first-hand how eastern red cedars, lady fern and flowering dogwood need little or no irrigation and do not need fertilizer or pesticides that could pollute the water supply. The Massapequa Water District supplies about 45,000 homes in a 6.5 mile area and operates nine wells.
The center, in the Well #9 building on Sunrise Highway, sits just west of Hicksville Road across the street from the Massapequa Post Office. It is open by appointment only and admittance is free. For information, please call 798-5266, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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