Palatka Water Works Project

Project Description:
The Palatka Pulp and Paper Operations primary role with the Palatka Water Work Museum and Environmental Education Center was to provide restoration funds and assist in the development of water-related environmental education materials for fourth grade students. The Palatka Operations saw this project as an opportunity to get involved with a program that looked at a number things that are influencing the quantity and quality of water in the state of Florida.

Plus, the Palatka Operations was in the middle of acquiring its consumptive use permit for water from the St. Johns Water Management District. Being able to interact with key individuals with the Water Management District on an important community project gave mill employees an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to water conservation in a totally new forum. It also gave our employees a chance to influence the content of the teaching curriculum. We wanted to make sure it presented a balanced approach regarding the water users in Florida and the point and non-point sources of pollution that are making impact on wetlands and waterways in the state.

Myra Carpenter, environmental superintendent, worked with Brenda Shiver, Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc., to develop the "Good Clean Water" education module explaining how water is treated for human consumption. The module included a segment where students get to run a working model of a drinking water plant and observe the improvement in water quality as the water passes through the treatment plant. The students also learned about the value of water conservations and their social obligations to protect our natural resources.

Members of the St. Johns River Water Management District and Putnam County Environmental Council developed modules on watershed, wetlands, the Floridan Aquifer and history of the Palatka Water Works building. Copies of each of the teaching modules are attached. Nearly 2,000 4th graders will visit the Education Center each year to learn more about water conservation. The center will also be open to the general public for tours Georgia-Pacific's name is prominently displayed on the dedication plaque.

Significance of Project:
The Palatka Water Works (circa 1886) was on the verge of being demolished and ultimately the historic treasure would have been lost forever. This was Palatka's first permanent water works building. It is a Victorian Gothic design that provides a unique example of late 19th century public utility construction. A concerned group of citizens approached Georgia-Pacific and other organizations in Putnam County to help save the structure. Because the Palatka Water Works project involved preserving the existing building and turning it into environmental education center, Georgia-Pacific's Palatka Pulp and Paper Operations had to get involved. Once again, the importance of being able to provide our expertise in the areas of water conservations and treatment prevented the training modules from putting a negative light on industry.

Plus, teachers are always looking for new and interesting ways to expand their students' learning experience. The Palatka Water Works Project and its teaching curriculum exceeded the teachers' expectations. Each of the teaching modules met or exceeded Florida Sunshine State Standards. Now, the Putnam County School System and visitors from all across the nation will be able to see how Palatka obtained its water from artesian springs in Ravines State Gardens.

The springs originally flowed through a reservoir of brick and cement with a clean bed of sand over hard pine flooring. Two Worthington pumps, which were steam-powered, pumped water to the city. Eventually the pumps were run by electricity. The facility was decommissioned in 1986 when Palatka built the R.C. Willis Water Treatment Plant.

The project is another great example of Georgia-Pacific and its employees giving back to the community that has helped make the facility a great success.