Holy H20 Tour

Long before humans learned to cook their meat over a fire and to build the wheel to transport their goods they looked for ways to get clean drinking water to where they lived. The “quest” for pure
water must have begun in prehistoric times but the earliest water treatment records come from Sanskrit writings and Egyptian inscriptions.   
  
 Join us as we explore the history of Ossining’s quest to bring the elixir of life to its residents. Our tour begins at the Village of Ossining’s water filtration plant and the nearby Indian Brook Reservoir in Crotonville where Chief Operator, Stephen Ho,(aka Steve H2O) will explain how he and his staff produce their highly acclaimed water for Ossining and other surrounding communities.

After a BYOBL (Bring Your Own Brownbag Lunch at the reservoir we then explore the underground “Weir Chamber” and the Old Croton Aqueduct to see how drinking water was once delivered to New York City. In fact, some of Ossining’s drinking supply is delivered via the old aqueduct and its  design, appearance and construction was influenced by the ancient aqueducts of Rome. Tom Tarnowsky, Vice-President of the Friends of the Old Croton Aqueduct will lead this part of the tour.

Our next and final tour stop takes us to the Waste Treatment Plant where Ossining’s used water, other fluids and stuff is rendered nearly harmless.

Sponsored by the Ossining Historical Society Museum Inc. with
assistance from the Rudolph and John Dirks Fund, the Ossining Village Public Works and the Westchester County Public Works Department

 Contact:
miguel.hdz@verizon.net