Teens From Student Conservation Association Program Take A Water Treatment Plant Tour With American Water Staff
A group of ten students participating in the Student Conservation Association's (SCA) urban-based community conservation program in Seattle recently learned about the water industry during a visit to the Tolt Water Treatment Plant in Seattle, Wash. Hosted by American Water and Seattle Public Works, this effort was part of the company's partnership with the SCA in support of the organization's national internship program that addresses issues of water conservation, quality or advocacy across the company's service areas.
The students had the opportunity to go "behind the scenes" at the plant to learn about the work American Water does, its environmental practices, as well as future green opportunities at the company and within the water industry. The students benefited by seeing and learning first-hand about the operations of the City of Seattle's Tolt Water Treatment Plant. Designed, built and operated by a joint venture between American Water and CDM, the plant treats and delivers up to 120 million gallons of water daily, which is 30 percent of the city's annual water supply.
A key part of the SCA's urban-based community program is environmental education and job readiness training. The green jobs readiness curriculum gives youth a foundation of knowledge in environmental issues; introduces them to green career pathways; and facilitates the development of pre-vocational skills.
The program was also part of American Water's ongoing commitment to consumer education and environmental stewardship, and was among a series of initiatives that American Water undertook during its 125th Anniversary year in 2011.
About SCA
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is the only national organization that develops tomorrow's conservation leaders by providing high school and college students with conservation service opportunities in all 50 states, from urban communities to national parks and forests. Since 1957, SCA's hands-on practice of conservation service has helped to develop new generations of conservation leaders, inspire lifelong stewardship, and save the planet. SCA is a non-profit headquartered in Charlestown, N.H. and maintains regional offices in Boise, Idaho, Oakland, Calif., Pittsburgh, Pa., Seattle, Wash., and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.thesca.org.
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in more than 30 states and parts of Canada. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
SOURCE: American Water