GNWPCD continues water conservation efforts at treatment center

The Island Now

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District is continuing its investments into conservation technologies—advancing initiatives that conserve water at all the District’s facilities and saving over 27 million gallons of drinking water annually.

The Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, or GNWPCD, is a commissioner-run Special Improvement District within the Town of North Hempstead providing sewage services for the Great Neck area since 1914. It currently serves more than 25,000 residents and businesses in the villages of Great Neck, Saddle Rock, Kensington, and those parts of Thomaston and Great Neck Plaza east of Middle Neck Road, as well as unincorporated areas north of the Long Island Rail Road and a part of Manhasset.

“For years, the Board of Commissioners and Superintendent have worked together to implement cost-saving and environmentally friendly enhancements,” stated Commissioner Steve Reiter. “We are happy to report to the Great Neck community our strong commitment to conserving water. We are able to provide total water savings of over 27 million gallons of drinking water per year and tens of thousands of dollars in water expenses. This is just one of many initiatives the District pursues to preserve the environment and save taxpayers money.”

One of the water conservation initiatives is the District’s conversion to mechanical seals from “packing” seals on all pumps throughout the District – saving 21 million gallons of drinking water a year. While “packing” uses 3-5 gallons of water per minute to keep the packing lubricated and sealed, wasting millions of gallons of water, the District’s mechanical seals use a fraction of that amount and in most cases no water at all is needed.

Among the District’s other water conservation initiatives is the use of its treated discharge water to clean its belt press and headworks building equipment. Together this use of effluent water saves the District another six million gallons of drinking water annually.

“I am pleased to learn that the GNWPCD saved over 27 million gallons of drinking water this year and they are continuing to take a business-like approach to running the municipal plant by focusing on operational efficiency, increased revenue and holding the line on taxes,” said state Sen. Elaine Phillips.

“The District continues to pride itself on emerging as an industry leader in wastewater management operations,” added Commissioner Patty Katz. “Investing in green technology is part of our mission to protect and preserve the environment for our residents and future generations. If larger facilities in the Northeast practiced the District’s water conservation initiatives they could save billions of gallons of drinking water each year.”

For additional information and updates about the Great Neck Water Pollution Control District, please call its office at 516-482-0238 or visit its website at www.gnwpcd.net.

 

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