Federal visit highlights PWWD’s continued investment in advanced treatment technology and protecting Port Washington’s drinking water
The Port Washington Water District (PWWD) welcomed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin on August 27 for a special tour of the District’s state-of-the-art water treatment facility at Christopher Morley Park. The visit was part of Administrator Zeldin’s three-day trip to Long Island and provided an opportunity for EPA leadership to see firsthand the advanced infrastructure and treatment technology PWWD has invested in to protect the long-term quality and reliability of Port Washington’s drinking water.
During the tour, PWWD commissioners and superintendent walked Administrator Zeldin and members of the EPA team through the facility and discussed the advanced treatment technology at the Christopher Morley Park Station, which serves Wells 8, 9 and 11 and provides 60 percent of the District’s water supply. The improvements were completed in 2025 and include granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment for the removal of PFOA and PFOS, as well as an advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment system for the removal of 1,4-dioxane.
The Morley Park improvements are part of PWWD’s broader 2025–2029 Capital Improvement Program, which includes significant investments in infrastructure and advanced treatment technology to enhance water quality, strengthen system resiliency, and help the District address emerging contaminants and continue meeting all applicable state and federal drinking water standards.
“We are extremely proud of what has been accomplished at the Christopher Morley Park Station,” said PWWD Commissioner Peter Meyer. “Projects like this represent years of careful planning, engineering and investment in the future of Port Washington’s water system. Having the EPA Administrator tour the facility underscores the importance of continuing to invest in the infrastructure and technology necessary to provide our residents with a safe, reliable water supply for generations to come.”
“Having Administrator Zeldin visit Port Washington and see firsthand what we are doing to protect our community’s drinking water was an important opportunity for the District,” said PWWD Commissioner Mindy Germain. “We have made significant investments in advanced treatment and infrastructure because protecting the quality of our water—and the aquifer that supplies it—is one of our most important responsibilities. We appreciate the Administrator and his team taking the time to learn about our work and the challenges facing water suppliers here on Long Island.”
Representatives from D&B Engineers and Architects, including President and CEO William D. Merklin, P.E.; Senior Vice President Philip R. Sachs, P.E.; and Vice President of Water Supply Michael G. Savarese, P.E., were also on hand to provide insight into the technical aspects of the project and answer questions about the facility’s design and treatment systems.
Following the visit, the EPA thanked the District for hosting the Administrator and his team and described the discussion as “very productive,” noting that the tour provided valuable insight into PWWD’s operations and the work underway at the station.
About Port Washington Water District (PWWD):
Founded over a century ago, the Port Washington Water District (PWWD) is a community-focused public water supplier that uses data and science to guide its management practices. The District’s mission centers on the protection and sustainability of Port Washington’s drinking water, which meets all health and safety standards. Its proactive Do It For Port water conservation program provides clear guidelines, user-friendly tools, and education-first enforcement to conserve water and reduce customer bills. The District remains dedicated to exemplary customer service and responsible financial management. For more information, visit www.pwwd.org.
