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NSWCA Hosts Summer Networking Meeting with Local and State Elected Officials, Water Superintendents and Business Managers

At its annual Summer Networking Meeting and BBQ, member commissioners of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) met with local and state elected officials, water superintendents and business managers for an opportunity to discuss emerging trends, issues and objectives of local water service providers. The summer meeting was held at Hicksville Fire Department Station 3 and featured a keynote by guest speaker Paul Granger, P.E., Superintendent of the Hicksville Water District. Attendees collaborated on ways to continue to work together and achieve mutual goals in protecting and preserving Long Island’s water supply.

NSWCA Awards $1,000 Scholarship to College Student

At its April membership meeting, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association presented a $1,000 scholarship to college freshman Charlee Muller.

The Nicholas Bartilucci Memorial Scholarship is given annually from NSWCA to a first-year student from Manhattan College in honor of former Commissioner Bartilucci who served for 48 years. Charlee was chosen based on her interest in pursuing a career in environmental engineering. She is currently majoring in civil/environmental engineering and minoring in mathematics.

“It is a privilege to present this scholarship in honor of Nicholas Bartilucci to Charlee, who is a budding environmental engineer who will continue to pursue our mission of promoting environmental excellence for the next generation,” said NSWCA President Ralph Atoria from the South Farmingdale Water District. “I wish her all the best as she continues her academic practices to the path of pursing her dream of becoming an environmental engineer.”

The Commissioners from Charlee’s respective home district of South Farmingdale Water formally presented her with the scholarship check at the April 15 membership meeting held at Palmer’s American Grille in Farmingdale.

NSWCA Hosts Presentation on Benefits of Solar Energy

As part of its mission to implement best practices and engage in strategic collaboration, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) recently hosted a meeting that included a special presentation from Harvest Power, a recognized regional operator in solar.

The presentation was led by CEO and owner Carlo Lanza and Director of Business Development Gregory Gordon on harnessing the power of solar energy as an affordable energy alternative. The pair covered the benefits of going solar, a review of the types of solar arrays, options to generate revenue from energy providers, and incentives being offered to municipalities.

“As Commissioners that represent our respective Districts, we have a fiduciary responsibility to look at alternate means of energy that would potentially offset costs to our communities,” commented NSWCA President Ralph Atoria of South Farmingdale Water District. “Mr. Lanza and Mr. Gordon have highlighted some major efficiencies, along with the potential feasibility and affordability of alternate sources of energy for our Districts. On behalf of the association, we appreciate Harvest Power for sharing this wealth of information that we’ll take back to our respective Districts.”

NSWCA Hosts Training on Benefits of Drone Surveillance

As part of its mission to implement best practices and engage in strategic collaboration, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) recently hosted a meeting that included a special presentation from H2M architects + engineers on how to best utilize drones and aerial video footage to support water districts’ plant operations.

The presentation was led by Heather Evangelista, Staff Engineer – Water Resources from H2M architects + engineers. Ms. Evangelista shared with voter-elected Commissioners from 21 Nassau and Suffolk County water districts the benefits to utilizing drones at their plants and well sites.

The presentation included examples of how H2M architects + engineers utilizes aerial drones to monitor construction progress and for tank inspections. Drone footage increases efficiencies while reducing project costs, and also boosts worker safety. While the benefits were innumerable, Ms. Evangelista also shared limitations to consider such as FAA regulations and the effects of its GPS signal, battery life and weather as factors.

“As Commissioners that represent our respective Districts, we are responsible for the complete oversight of our facilities and we are always looking to advance our capabilities in cost-effective ways,” commented NSWCA President Ralph Atoria from South Farmingdale Water District. “Safety is also one of our number one concerns, and drone footage of tank inspections will keep our workers safely on the ground.  We continually source new technology to advance our mission to safeguard our water. On behalf of the association, we appreciate Ms. Evangelista sharing this wealth of information that we’ll look to incorporate within our Districts.”

NSWCA Elects New 2024 Board

At a recent meeting of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) sponsored by Greenlawn Water District, the Association elected a new Board and Board president to serve through December 31, 2024.

The newly elected NSWCA 2024 Board includes President Ralph Atoria of the South Farmingdale Water District, 1st Vice President John F. Coumatos of the Bethpage Water District, 2nd Vice President Joseph Perry of the South Huntington Water District, Treasurer Michael J. Kosinski of the Roslyn Water District, and Secretary Michael Mazzola of the Massapequa Water District.

Outgoing President Patricia Peterson Honored

At a recent meeting of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) President Atoria honored outgoing NSWCA president and current Locust Valley Water District Chairwoman Patricia Peterson, who served as president of the association from 2022 through 2023.

“Patricia’s leadership in navigating this association through the pandemic was exemplary,” commented NSWCA president Atoria. “Ms. Peterson expertly steered our 21 member districts in a positive direction and remained steadfast and committed to our mission of being an authoritative voice in water supply by educating the public regarding the advancements in water treatment, conservation, and the health of our aquifer.”

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, 2024 to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA Past-President and Locust Valley Water District Chairwomen Patricia Peterson commented on the election results, “This election is always a superb example of local representation by and for each community as local voters are electing an individual who lives amongst them to safeguard their water, not only for today, but into the future.”

Voter-elected, commissioner-run districts (21 in total) provide water to over 620,000 consumers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Incoming NSWCA President and South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Ralph Atoria added, “I am extremely pleased to welcome all our new and returning colleagues to the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association.”

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

  • Brian Hassan, Albertson Water District                            Newly Elected
  • Scott Greco, Bethpage Water District                              Re-elected
  • Kenneth Gass, Jr., Carle Place Water District                   Re-elected
  • Ray Rockensies, Cathedral Gardens Water District          Re-elected                           ­
  • Anthony Boccella, Franklin Square Water District             Newly Elected
  • Peter Chimenti, Garden City Park Water                          Re-elected
  • Rod Ford, Glenwood Water District                                 Newly Elected
  • John H. Clark, Greenlawn Water District                          Re-elected
  • William Schuckmann, Hicksville Water District                  Re-elected
  • Patricia A. Beckerle, Jericho Water District                       Re-elected
  • Patricia Peterson, Locust Valley Water District                 Re-elected
  • Mark S. Sauvigne, Manhasset-Lakeville Water District      Re-elected
  • Thomas McCarthy, Massapequa Water District                Re-elected
  • Robert J. McEvoy, Oyster Bay Water District                    Re-elected
  • Marc Laykind, Plainview Water District                            Re-elected
  • Peter Meyer, Port Washington Water District                    Re-elected
  • William Costigan, Roslyn Water District                           Re-elected
  • Ralph Atoria, South Farmingdale Water District                Re-elected
  • Ciro DePalo, South Huntington Water District                   Re-elected
  • Kenneth P. Wenthen, Jr., West Hempstead Water District Re-elected
  • Kelby Then, Westbury Water District                               Newly Elected

Former NSWCA President Robert J. McEvoy Elected 1st Vice Chairman of LIWC

Robert J. McEvoy,Commissioner and Chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District, has been elected 1st Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC).

Mr. McEvoy has served the people of Oyster Bay as Water Commissioner since 2002 and is a past President of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), and former secretary and 2nd Vice Chairman of LIWC. He adds this new responsibility to a distinguished career of public service that included over 35 years at the Town of Oyster Bay. He retired from his last role as the Town’s comptroller in 2016.

Mr. McEvoy is also a Board Member and the Treasurer for New York 811, Inc.  He is an active member of the New York State Section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA). A volunteer firefighter for the Oyster Bay Fire Department since 1975, Bob served as Chief from 1986-1988 and as President from 1991-1992.

Passing of Louis P. Savinetti of the Locust Valley Water District

It is with great sadness that we report that former Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Louis Philip Savinetti has passed away. A mass will be held on Thursday, June 22 at 10:00 am at St. Gertrude’s in Bayville (28 School Street, Bayville, NY)

Lou was a lifelong resident of Locust Valley, NY and was a charter member of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association.

Lou’s personal history was as impressive as his oversight of the Locust Valley Water District. During World War II, he volunteered and served his country in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Kearsarge. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950 during the Korean War, he served in Korea until 1952. After discharge, Lou became a member of Local 282 of the Teamsters Union for 20 years and worked on many sewer and drainage projects throughout Nassau County. He retired from the Nassau County Department of Public Works in 1991 as a civil engineer.

He proudly served as a Water Commissioner for the Locust Valley Water District for 40 years. He was honored for his many decades of community service which included 25 years as a volunteer football and baseball coach and mentor to the youth of Locust Valley by the Grenville Bakers Boys and Girls Club. Lou was also a member of the Locust Valley American Legion.

His love for Locust Valley and its residents was exceeded only by his love for his family, his Country and God. He is survived by his wife of 70 years Alice, son Louis, daughter-in-law Holly, and Grandson Scott.

Greenlawn Water Wins Best Tasting Tap Water Contest 2023

Bringing Home the Gold in Suffolk…again.

After an absence of three years, the 34th annual Best Tasting Tap Water Contest has returned…and the Greenlawn Water District is once again the Best Tasting Water In Suffolk County!

“Being named the best never gets old,” Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John H. Clark stated. “This result from the blind taste contest recognizes every Greenlawn Water District employee because it takes a talented team of professionals working together to produce a superior product year after year. Despite the time interruption due to COVID, this is our third consecutive victory and our 11th number one ranking overall. We are extremely proud of this recognition.”