Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association

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Infrastructure & COVID-19

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), was recently addressed on industry changes and COVID-19 by Michael Beyer, President of Bancker Construction Corporation (Islandia, NY).

“There is a new space race today, and this one is underground,” Mr. Beyer stated. “On Long Island it involves lane issues for limited real estate, essentially creating a competitive environment for utilities such as electric, gas and water services. Given the region’s aging infrastructure, the need for an overriding management plan is paramount to secure the delivery of future services.”

Mr. Beyer also discussed safety measures that his organization has taken with the advent of the COVID-19 virus pandemic.

“Education begins with training our own people about the hazards of the coronavirus, health surveys each morning, and providing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). This includes the use of masks and social distancing, sanitary processes like hand washing stations on all vehicles, and nightly truck sanitizing. Communications outreach to educate the public is the key to project success, including timing and project scope. At Bancker, we canvass the neighborhoods, outreach to homeowners in the affected zone via social media and continually work to make customers part of the process.”

NSWCA President and Hicksville Water District Commissioner Mr. William Schuckmann commented, “our Association represents 21 voter-elected Long Island water districts, who have the day in, day out responsibility of providing potable drinking water to more than 620,000 consumers. We are grateful to Mr. Michael Beyer for his state of the industry update and future outlook. Given the need for conservation and long term sustainability, and in view of aging infrastructure and other industry changes, we will continue to seek greater efficiencies and cost savings while continuing to be compliant with all New York State, federal and local regulations.”