(Lawrenceville, Ga., May 17, 2017) – Parkview High School students Thuy Pham and Grace Hu were recognized May 16 by the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners for their project on an alternative water filtration technique. The two students received the Scarbrough Water Prize for the project they presented at the Gwinnett Science and Engineering Fair in February.

The Scarbrough Water Prize is named in honor of late Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources employee James Scarbrough, who was a strong supporter of water education and the advancement of water sciences in Gwinnett County schools. Scarbrough believed that by teaching students the importance of protecting and conserving our water resources when they are young, they will carry those behaviors and beliefs into adulthood. He felt that education was the key to preserving Gwinnett’s precious water resources for future generations. 

Jackie Valett, Water Resources Program Coordinator, said, “DWR staff attended the fair and were impressed with Thuy and Grace’s project titled ’Alternative Water Filtration Treatment: Chitosan Coagulation.’” The project looked into a viable alternative drinking water filtration treatment that could provide access to safe drinking water for millions of people throughout the world who lack access to this important resource. “Thuy and Grace demonstrated exceptional knowledge of water treatment and clearly communicated the importance and real world application of their project,” added Valett.

The Gwinnett County Department of Water Resources is a publicly-owned utility committed to providing superior water, wastewater, and stormwater services at an excellent value to residents and businesses. DWR is widely recognized for innovation and service excellence as well as stewardship of the environmental resources in Gwinnett County. For more information, visit www.gwinnettH2O.com.