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Passing of Dr. Sanford E. “Sandy” Klein of the Roslyn Water District

It is with great sadness that the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association shares the passing of Dr. Sanford E. “Sandy” Klein, Commissioner of the Roslyn Water District, on January 16, 2026.

Dr. Klein served as a Commissioner of the Roslyn Water District since 2011 and was re-elected to a three-year term in the District election held in December. Throughout his service, Dr. Klein was deeply committed to the principles of local accountability, fiscal responsibility, and the delivery of safe, reliable, and affordable drinking water to the community he served.

Dr. Klein’s dedication to public service and his thoughtful leadership left a lasting impact on the Roslyn Water District and the broader water community. He will be remembered for his commitment to protecting public health and ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations. He was widely respected by his fellow commissioners and colleagues throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Dr. Klein is survived by his wife, Barbara, their four daughters, and their grandchildren. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association extends its deepest condolences to Dr. Klein’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) Welcomes Voter-Elected Water Commissioners from Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from 21 local water districts who are members of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) were sworn into office on January 1, 2026, to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael E. Mazzola commented on the election results stating, “This election of a water commissioner within local districts exemplifies the strength of local representation where residents vote for a commissioner who resides in their respective community to manage and protect their drinking water and resources. It’s my pleasure to welcome all our new and returning members and colleagues to the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association for 2026.”

Voter-elected, commissioner-run districts (21 in total) provide water to over 620,000 consumers in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Re-elected and newly elected water commissioners from each District are as follows:

  • Albertson Water District Commissioner Janell Giordano                  Re-elected
  • Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Catapano-Black   Re-elected
  • Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato                     Re-elected
  • Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Joseph Corino     Re-elected
  • Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Ralph Pugliese         Re-elected
  • Garden City Park Water District Commissioner Robert Mirabile      Re-elected
  • Glenwood Water District Commissioner Thomas Fiederlein             Newly elected
  • Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John McLaughlin              Re-elected
  • Hicksville Water District Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi                Re-elected
  • Jericho Water District Commissioner Gregory Morley                       Newly elected
  • Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Peter Brown                  Re-elected
  • Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna      Re-elected
  • Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioner Steven Flynn     Re-elected
  • Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III            Re-elected
  • Plainview Water District Commissioner Michael Chad                      Re-elected
  • Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain        Re-elected
  • Roslyn Water District Commissioner Dr. Sanford Klein                    Re-elected
  • South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Gary Brosnan      Re-elected
  • South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul Tonna             Re-elected
  • West Hempstead Water District Commissioner C. John Sparacio   Re-elected
  • Westbury Water District Commissioner Barry Green                        Re-elected

Photo credit and permission is courtesy of NSWCA and PMG Strategic

About Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA):

Organized and chartered in 1981 and celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners elected by voters in each of 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings and trainings on topics that include compliance, the environment, security, economics, conservation, sustainability, remediation, water treatment and aquifer health, among other issues germane to water utilities.

For More Information: Agency Contact:

For more information about this or related NSWCA matters, contact:

Mr. Gary Cucchi
PMG Strategic, Inc.
Office:             631.756.7160
Mobile:            516.721.3709
Email:              gcucchi@pmgstrategic.com

NSWCA Highlights Innovative Engineering Solutions to Address Water Supply Challenges

D&B Engineers and Architects Present “The Main Squeeze” Project for Albertson Water District

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) recently welcomed D&B Engineers and Architects (D&B) as featured presenters at its General Meeting, where the firm outlined an innovative infrastructure solution designed to address water supply challenges faced by the Albertson Water District.

The presentation, titled “The Main Squeeze – Using Transmission Mains to Replace Lost Capacity,” demonstrated how strategic engineering and hydraulic modeling can be applied to overcome system limitations and restore operational balance within a water district. D&B detailed how a comprehensive hydraulic model of the Albertson Water District was used to identify bottlenecks in water conveyance and inform the design of new transmission mains to improve system performance and resiliency.

As water districts across Long Island continue to face increasing regulatory requirements, aging infrastructure, and evolving operational demands, projects like this highlight the importance of forward-thinking engineering solutions. By leveraging advanced modeling, careful design, and coordinated construction planning, the Albertson Water District was able to maintain adequate water supply and pressure during a critical period when key facilities were temporarily offline.

“We appreciate D&B presenting their valuable insights from the Albertson Water District Project,” stated NSWCA President Michael Mazzola. “Collaboration between water districts and experienced engineering professionals is essential to addressing today’s complex water supply challenges and preparing for future needs.”

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association remains committed to providing a forum for education, collaboration, and the exchange of best practices to support the delivery of safe, reliable drinking water to communities throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.

About Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA):

Organized and chartered in 1981 and celebrating its 45th anniversary, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is comprised of water commissioners elected by voters in each of 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts. The NSWCA is dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices as well as to maintaining the highest standards of water quality and supply. The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association sponsors regular educational meetings and trainings on topics that include compliance, the environment, security, economics, conservation, sustainability, remediation, water treatment and aquifer health, among other issues germane to water utilities.

For More Information: Agency Contact:

For more information about this or related NSWCA matters, contact:

Mr. Gary Cucchi
PMG Strategic, Inc.
Office: 631.756.7160
Mobile: 516.721.3709
Email: gcucchi@pmgstrategic.com

From left to right: Scott A. Greco, NSCWA 2nd Vice President; Michael J. Kosinski, NSCWA Treasurer; Bill Merklin, President of D&B Engineers & Architects; Michael E. Mazzola, NSWCA President; Anthony Eagan, P.E., Senior Associate at D&B Engineers & Architects; Stephen Laun, P.E., Senior Engineer at D&B Engineers & Architects. Photo credit and permission is courtesy of NSWCA and PMG Strategic.

Commissioner Brian Hassan Shares PSEG Energy Insights with NSWCA

At the November 2025 Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting, members heard a presentation from Brian Hassan, Albertson Water District Commissioner and Senior Account Manager at PSEG, on PSEG’s relationship with local water service providers. Hassan discussed the benefits of working directly with assigned PSEG account managers, highlighted available commercial rate options, and cautioned districts about third-party energy resellers that often lock customers into long-term contracts with escalating costs. NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola thanked Hassan for the presentation, stating, “Brian provided important insight that helps our member districts better understand their energy options and avoid unnecessary costs, ultimately benefiting both operations and ratepayers.”

Patricia (Mezeul) Peterson Inducted into LIBN Hall of Fame 2025

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) is proud to congratulate Locust Valley Water District Chairwoman Patricia (Mezeul) Peterson on her induction into the Long Island Business News (LIBN) Hall of Fame.

Pat is recognized not only for her steadfast commitment to protecting Long Island’s drinking water, but also for her distinguished career in municipal banking and her deep civic engagement. She has served in leadership roles with the the Queens Chamber of Commerce, the New York Bankers Association, and the Board of Governors of New York State Government Finance Officers’ Association. She is also an active member of numerous professional organizations across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, including associations for school business officials, village clerks and treasurers, village officials, and fire districts. Pat currently serves as Executive Vice President/Director of Government Banking Flushing Bank.

Commissioner Peterson is a long-time member and former two-term president of the NSWCA. She currently serves as chair of the NSWCA legislation committee and contributes regularly on government affairs within water-related matters. Pat is also a member of the American Water Works Association and the Long Island Water Conference.

Congratulations to Pat on a crowning achievement, being recognized for her outstanding contributions to business and her community.

Patricia (Mezeul) Peterson (center) receives the 2025 Long Island Business News Hall of Fame Award during the ceremony held at Crest Hollow Country Club (Woodbury, NY – November 12, 2025).

NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola Delivers Closing Remarks at 2025 LIWC Drinking Water Symposium

On October 24, 2025, the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) held its annual Drinking Water Symposium at the Heritage Club at Bethpage. The event brought together water commissioners who are members of the NSWCA, business managers and superintendents from each local water district, as well as professionals from water service providers across Long Island.  Local, state and federal elected officials were in attendance as well as regulators, utility leaders, department of health professionals, researchers, and consultants.

Topicality for the symposium included discussions on the growing concern of cybersecurity threats facing water systems, the importance of ecological restoration, and ongoing funding challenges confronting all water suppliers.

In his closing remarks, NSWCA Board President Michael E. Mazzola (Massapequa Water District Water Commissioner) urged continued cross-sector collaboration between water service providers and elected officials to protect Long Island’s sole-source aquifer.

NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola at the podium delivering the closing remarks during the 2025 LIWC Drinking Water Symposium at The Heritage Club (Bethpage, NY – October 24, 2025).

(Left to Right): Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph S. Saladino, Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker, NSWCA President Michael E. Mazzola, South Farmingdale Water District Commissioners and NSWCA members Gary Brosnan, John Hirt and Ralph Atoria at the conclusion of the 2025 LIWC Drinking Water Symposium at The Heritage Club (Bethpage, NY – October 24, 2025).

NSWCA Hosts 2025 Networking Meeting

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) hosted its annual Summer Networking Meeting and BBQ on September 15 at Hicksville Fire Department Station 3. Member Commissioners gathered with local and state elected officials, water superintendents and business managers to share insights on emerging trends, challenges, and priorities in safeguarding Long Island’s water supply. Guest speakers included Councilman Thomas P. Hand, Legislator Rose Walker, Senator Steven D. Rhoads, Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages, as well as Town of Oyster Bay Commissioner of Public Works Richard Lenz and Deputy Supervisor Greg Garman. The session emphasized collaboration and continued partnership to ensure clean, reliable drinking water for future generations.

Safety Considerations for Water Districts

At its June meeting, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association hosted a presentation on Water District Safety Considerations led by Bill Geerlings from Employee Priority Safety.

Mr. Geerlings highlighted key safety measures and considerations that all water service providers are required to monitor in order to meet all standards set forth by the Public Employee Safety and Health (PESH) Bureau. This included a review of the legal and ethical duties of an employer, as well as review of key regulations and the importance of having an evacuation plan.

“We can never be too safe,” said NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael Mazzola. “These reminders and a review of critical regulations from Mr. Geerlings are always important.”

NSWCA Hosts Presentation on New EPA Standards for Emerging Contaminants

At a recent meeting and training session, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association hosted a presentation on Emerging Contaminants, UCMR5 and UCMR6 and new laws and regulations set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The presentation was led by H2M architects + engineers’ Senior Water Resources Engineer Paul J. Ponturo, P.E.

“Following the EPA’s announcement of an extension on the PFOA/PFAS requirements, all of our local water service providers want to be prepared and take a proactive approach to any emerging contaminants and potential mandates,” said NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael Mazzola. “It’s important for us to plan ahead, and so we welcome these presentations regularly as they help us to stay informed and be prepared for the unexpected.”

Mr. Ponturo’s presentation focused on emerging and unregulated contaminants, such as UCMR5 and UCMR6, how water service providers can monitor for unregulated contaminants, and the next steps in science and technology to meet the potential future demands for administering safe drinking water.

NSWCA Hosts Presentation on GIS for Water Suppliers

At its April 21 meeting, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association hosted a presentation on GIS for Water Suppliers by Christopher Kobos, Director of GIS Services for H2M Architects and Engineers. Mr. Kobos shared how Geographic Information Systems can provide a number of benefits and efficiencies for water districts, including improving customer service, increasing productivity, supporting regulatory compliance, providing better record keeping, and visualizing trends in complex information.

“Streamlining district operations is always important, and the response to this presentation was overwhelmingly beneficial to our members,” said NSWCA President Michael Mazzola. “Some members were able to share their own experiences utilizing the system, and others were able to ask specific questions on its benefits and implementation. We thank Mr. Kobos for his time.”