Water Academy Wows Once Again

The Prince William County Service Authority concluded another successful Water Academy on July 25.

The five-session summer program gave 18 participants an inside look at the Service Authority’s operations, the water and wastewater treatment processes and the important role the utility plays in their daily lives.

Participant Chris Caseman, a 38-year resident of Prince William County and Director of Resource Development for the ARC of Greater Prince William, said he will no longer take the utility for granted.

“Now I have such an appreciation for turning on the water and realizing what is happening,” said Caseman. “This is an exceptional program and I think it could change the whole perspective of folks in the County to spend some time learning where our water comes from, how it is reclaimed and what a terrific job the Service Authority does.”

Before attending the Water Academy, participant Erin Flynn said she had no idea where the water came from and where it went. By the final session, though, the What’s Up Prince William News Editor walked away with a much more detailed knowledge of the industry’s role and importance in the community.

“It showed me the science behind wastewater and water treatment,” said Flynn. “I was just amazed about how much the Service Authority does for the County.”

Bonnie Gray, who works for the Prince William County Parks & Recreation Department as an Environmental Recreational Specialist, has already been able to incorporate some of the things she learned at the Water Academy in her educational outreach efforts to children.

“We did some water filtration lessons, which was great,” said Gray. “I also brought 50 campers here [to the H.L. Mooney Advanced Water Reclamation Facility] in July and they had a great experience. I am a big fan of water, and so my thoughts were how we can better educate our kids on our water use.”

The application period for next summer’s Water Academy will begin early next year. Applications for Water Academy 2019 will be available on www.pwcsa.org.