Walking for Water

Twenty-eight percent of the world's urban population in the developing world does not have running water inside or outside its house.

That's according to the World Water Day organization formed at the direction of the United Nations. The group aims to promote awareness of uncertainties about the water system in these urban populations, which continue to grow.

While World Water Day is officially today,  but more than 100 concerned citizens from across Long Island took part in the Third Annual Walk for Water on Saturday.

The group gathered at the before making a 2.3-mile trek to on Saturday, where Mayor George Doll spoke to the crowd about the importance of protecting local waters.

Rotary President Marie Failey was delighted by enthusiasm of participants.

“It was a gorgeous day, and great for walking. A variety of people showed up,” Failey said, adding that she felt that the event successfully heightened awareness of the importance of water conservation. A rain barrel created for the purpose of collecting and recycling run-off from storms was on display at the park.

Failey gave kudos to Angel Dybas, stormwater specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, who worked with the Girl Scout cadettes of Troop No. 91 of East Northport on the rain barrel project.

Four girls earned their silver award by participating in the walk and the Rainwater Project.

“Part of a Silver Project is doing something that is service-minded and is sustainable,” Troop leader Janet Recchia said of the girls’ promotion of the use of rain barrels. “These barrels hook right up to your gutter leaders, and connect with your garden hose.”

The rain barrels enable homeowners to water flower gardens, wash cars or water their lawns with the water that would have otherwise been wasted, Recchia explained.

Robert Steneck, owner of in East Northport donated their facility, all the paints, equipment and valuable time to the girl scouts so that they could paint the rain barrels.

District Manager and Rotarian Ari Mendrinos spoke at Cow Harbor Park, and said that he was delighted to see more than 48 Starbucks employees from across Long Island, including Manorville, Selden, East Northport, Great Neck and Commack at the event. Regional Director Sean Luckman  also participated.

Failey said that Starbucks awards grants based on employees’ volunteer hours, and that the money raised by volunteerism at this event will benefit the organization, Pure Water for the World.