Introduction
Welcome Droplets! In this section of our website, you will find age-appropriate, fun activities and educational materials to learn about water and water conservation. Water is one of our most precious resources, but it is often taken for granted because it is always available. Help us protect our water supply, the future starts with you!
What is water and where does it come from?
Water is a liquid that makes living possible. All living things need water to survive. Water is made up of hydrogen and oxygen. There are two types of water: salt water and fresh water. Salt water comes from the ocean. Fresh water comes from surface water and ground water. Surface water comes from lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, glaciers and reservoirs. Groundwater comes from rain and snow when it seeps into the ground until it reaches rocks and is stored there until it drains into lakes and rivers.
The water that you drink in Jericho Water District is groundwater and is Long Island’s sole source of drinking water. About 30% of the readily available freshwater in the world is groundwater.
How does water get to us?
Groundwater is stored in spaces between rock and sand in an aquifer. Jericho Water District utilizes the Magothy Aquifer and the Lloyd Aquifer. The Magothy Aquifer is the largest of Long Island’s aquifers and is approximately 50 to 80 million years old. The Lloyd Aquifer is the deepest and oldest aquifer on Long Island, with its formation dating back to 80 to 100 million years ago.
The water is pumped from wells that are drilled into the aquifer. The raw water is then treated and becomes potable drinking water, stored in tanks to be distributed. Elevated storage tanks maintain water pressure throughout the distribution system. The storage tanks are connected to large pipes underground called water mains that carry water to neighborhoods. Buildings and homes are connected to the water main by service lines that are connected to the plumbing inside your home or business.
