More than a dozen high school students from Henry County participated in the third annual Water Works Experience summer camp at the Henry County Water Authority (HCWA). The week-long program provided 13 rising ninth and tenth graders with an inside look at water industry operations, facilities, and careers.
The camp combined classroom instruction with hands-on activities and facility tours. Students learned about water treatment processes, wastewater management, resource protection, engineering, and how the public can contribute to maintaining the water system. They visited sites including the Tussahaw Water Treatment Plant, Indian Creek Water Reclamation Facility, Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center, and HCWA Headquarters.
Meagan Powell, a sophomore at Ola High School who attended the camp, said: “I learned about what every person does at the Water Authority, and I made connections with water professionals and fellow students as a result of participating in the program. It was a lot of fun, and I’d certainly recommend it to other students. I give it a rating of 10 out of 10!”
Aidan Livermont from New Creations Christian Academy commented on the educational value: “My favorite thing about the camp is how much you learn, especially about how water is purified and where we get our drinking water from. I loved being outside, too, and this week had a mix of everything for everyone to enjoy.”
Camp activities included tasting tests of drinking water, laboratory testing of samples, constructing model water filters, using robotics for sewer line maintenance, reviewing engineering plans for water line relocation projects, taking boat rides on Authority reservoirs, and fishing.
Participants also received lessons on etiquette from Miss Georgia U.S. International Shacori Valentine and guidance on resume writing and financial planning.
Olivia Jones from Dutchtown High School highlighted her learning experience: “The things we learned really stuck with me, especially in sewer operations. (The summer camp) was very educational, and it was fun getting a look on the inside of the Water Authority.”
For more information about HCWA’s public education programs or to view photos from this year’s Water Works Summer Camp Experience visit www.hcwa.com.
