Suffolk County Water Authority Lectures at Wenonah Elementary School

Students at Wenonah Elementary School were taught valuable lessons on the source and protection of Long Island's drinking water from a Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) representative last month.

Donna Mancuso, an administrative coordinator with the SCWA, used visual aids to explain the water cycle. Using a model with aquifers, she demonstrated the effects of a gas station leak or the damage everyday pesticides can cause to wells.

"Diagrams, handouts, a quiz and certificates are all used to ensure we have fun while learning about water," said Mancuso.  

For the past six years, the SCWA has been educating elementary and high school students across the county. Their elementary educational outreach program targets students in grades four through eight and has been successful with continual growth.

"Public education is an essential ingredient in maintaining the quality of our water resources. It is critical for all Long Islanders to understand that our water comes from the ground beneath us, and the earlier children understand that, the better," said Jeffrey Szabo, Suffolk County Water Authority CEO, in a statement. "We are proud to offer this presentation at no cost to all schools in Suffolk County."