Michael Dwyer Speaks On Irrigation At NSWCA Meeting

 Franklin Square, NY USA……………At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), Commissioners representing 21 local Water Districts welcomed guest speaker Michael Dwyer, Irrigation Contractor and Trustee of the Irrigation Association of New York (IANY). Plainview Water District (PWD) Commissioners Andrew N. Bader, Marc B. Laykind, and Amanda Field hosted the meeting. Commissioner Laykind provided a detailed overview of the PWD.

Mr. Dwyer (Levittown, NY) stressed the importance of water sustainability in Nassau and Suffolk counties and the IANY’s role in educating both the public as well as public water suppliers in conservation methods.

“Even though our Long Island sole source aquifer has enormous capacity, education, good management practices, and the judicious use of technology will benefit all residents.” Mr. Dwyer stated. “Some potential solutions are quite simple. Professionally installed automatic irrigation systems utilize rain sensors that prevent them from activating in the middle of a rainstorm. This seemingly small thing can conserve untold gallons o water as well as dramatically reduce the stress and strain on water production and irrigation systems.”

Mr. Dwyer further advised the NSWCA commissioners on advanced technologies, including WiFi controllers, proper nozzling and the IANY’s emphasis on the importance of certification of irrigation professionals. He also discussed New York State bill S00840, the ‘Landscape Irrigation Contractor Certification Act’.

Andrew Bader, President of the NSWCA and Plainview Water Commissioner, remarked, “Mr. Dwyer’s presentation was extensive, informative and apropos for the recognition of the need for sustainability in our daily lives here on Long Island. We thank him for sharing his expertise with our membership.”

About the Irrigation Association of New York:  The Irrigation Association of New York, a not-for-profit organization, seeks to improve the products and practices used to manage water resources and to help shape the business environment of the irrigation industry in New York. IANY’s interest in water resources includes the application of conservation methods, drainage improvement and recovery of water for economic and environmental enhancement in agriculture, turf grass, landscape and forestry.

A member of the greatest generation, Commissioner Louis P. Savinetti has attained yet another rare milestone…that of being an active and productive Water Commissioner at age 90. With 38 years of service to the Locust Valley community under his belt, and a charter member of the NSWCA,  Lou has no intentions of slowing down.

Since 1979, he has overseen the widespread changes in the north shore communities that the Locust Valley Water District serves, including Locust Valley, Lattingtown and areas of Mill Neck and Matinecock.

Keeping an uninterrupted supply of high quality water regularly flowing for the fast growing area has involved knowledge, expertise and the design and implementation of a preventive maintenance program for the infrastructure of the District. With the responsibility of 56 miles of interconnected pipeline, six deep wells, nearly 550 fire hydrants, and two one-million gallon storage tanks, that’s no small task. And infrastructure needs change all the time as population increases and infrastructure ages.

The Winds Of Change

“Some of our infrastructure has been in place since the District’s founding back in the 1920s.” Commissioner Savinetti stated. “One key issue has always been prominent is meeting the rapidly growing public demand for water within our District as residential development increases. Compliance and other regulations also continue to develop.

“Some of our infrastructure has been in place since the District’s founding back in the 1920s.” Commissioner Savinetti stated. “One key issue has always been prominent is meeting the rapidly growing public demand for water within our District as residential development increases. Compliance and other regulations also continue to develop. For example, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) has mandated that all public water suppliers make a concerted effort to encourage consumers to use less water. Today, close to two-thirds of total water usage in our District usage is for irrigation, principally of lawns. This is very likely representative of most Nassau ad Suffolk communities. We have always been cognizant of the need for conservation at the Locust Valley Water District, and we will further educate our consumers to achieve all goals on this key issue.”

Up Close and Personal

Lou’s personal history is as impressive as his oversight of the District along with his fellow Commissioners. 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 was a the Teamsters Union shop steward for 20 years and then 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.

A lifelong Locust Valley resident, Lou Savinetti has always given back to the community, including 25 years as a volunteer football and baseball coach for the Grenville Baker Boys’ and Girls’ Club boys’ baseball and football teams where he helped to shape a lot of lives. An 50-year active member of the Locust Valley American Legion, he has, along with Alice his wife of 65 years, been a member and volunteer for the Senior Club as well as other local community organizations.

Thank You Lou:

We, your fellow Commissioners, Superintendents, associates, and friends thank you Lou, for your many years of dedicated service to the Locust Valley Water District, the community, the industry at large, and especially to our great nation.

In sports and in competitions of all types, the proverbial three-peat, winning three in a row, is very rare. The South Huntington Water District was recently judged the winner of the Long Island Water Conference’s ‘Best Tasting Water Contest’ in Suffolk County for the third year in a row!

Commissioner Ciro DePalo spoke for the District. “Water supply is something that most people take for granted. Turn the tap and there it is, but in fact it requires a tremendous amount of scientific and engineering expertise as well as diligent infrastructure maintenance. The importance of the job that our South Huntington Water District people do in providing a plentiful supply of the highest quality water, day in day out, regardless of weather, is recognized by this competition. That’s why my fellow commissioners and I are especially proud to receive this third consecutive award, and our District’s 11^th overall. ”

The Best Tasting Water Contest trophy is at the SHWD administration building, 75 Fifth Avenue South, Huntington Station NY. Commissioner DePalo invited the public to stop by and see it. “And we’re going to be going for victory number twelve in next year’s competition!” he added.

 Melville, NY USA……………At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting hosted by Massapequa Water District Commissioners Thomas P. Hand, Joseph J. Tricarico and Raymond J. Averna in Williston Park, New York, the NSWCA recognized the contributions of the Hon. Jack M. Martins (Mineola, NY).

NSWCA President and Plainview Water Commissioner Andrew N. Bader presented Mr. Martins with a special plaque in appreciation of his support of NSWCA during his tenure as New York State Senator (2010-2016) from the 7^th district. Commissioners from the 21 water districts that comprise the NSWCA were in attendance.

“We are pleased to recognize Jack Martins for his steadfast support of our organization and our programs through the years with this well deserved award,” Commissioner Bader said. “Jack Martins has championed many of our goals and has supported our mission of sustainability and of providing the highest quality drinking water to the residents we serve. He also shares our vision and concerns for the single source aquifer that supplies Long Island with water. So it is in grateful recognition and appreciation that we present this token of our esteem.”

“I thank the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association for their recognition of the work I have done to protect one of the most important resources we have – our drinking water,” Mr. Martins said. “As stewards of our drinking water, the NSWCA has championed reforms that have kept our families and communities safe. It’s a pleasure to work with such a dedicated organization as we work to protect our sole source aquifer.”

When Bill Ellinger recently stepped down from his position as Bethpage Water District Commissioner after 38 years of dedicated service, his send off party was attended by dozens of fellow commissioners, friends, relatives and associates. That was no surprise, given Bill’s gregarious and spontaneous personality. What was remarkable was the long list of public service achievements where Bill so often led the charge, including numerous well and infrastructure improvements, and the untold hours of negotiations to secure firm financial commitments from Grumman Corporation and the U.S. Navy.

A 38-year member and advocate on behalf of the NSWCA, Bill was named an Honorary NSWCA member earlier in 2017.  The entire membership of the NSWCA joins together in wishing Bill the best of fortune and good health in his retirement. His guidance and expertise will be greatly missed.

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At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting hosted by Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioners Mark S. Sauvigne, Brian J. Morris and Steven Flynn, Chief Sustainability Officer for the Town of North Hempstead Erin Reilley discussed the Town’s 2017 Home Sustainability classes, offered during the spring and fall at Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson. Commissioners from the 21 water districts that comprise the NSWCA were in attendance.

“The classes help residents conserve water and prevent water pollution, while supporting local wildlife and creating beautiful home landscapes,” Reilley explained. “The public is invited to attend the gardening classes, although attendees must be Town of North Hempstead residents to participate in the composting or rain barrel classes.”

The classes include: Build a Rain Garden, Native Plant Gardening, Recycle the Rain (Rain Barrel) and Learn How to Compost. For more information or to register, call (516) 869 6311.

“I want to thank Ms. Reilley for leading this informative presentation,” Andrew Bader, President of the NSWCA and Plainview Water Commissioner said. “We are all responsible for conserving and protecting our water supply and the classes offered by the Town of North Hempstead are a great way to educate the public on how they can help protect our local environment.”

As the summer heat has risen, so have NSWCA activities.  Coincidence? Sign of the times?  Marks of the season? Connected or not,  the NSWCA has sponsored or been a part of several industry-wide and state-wide events, and hosted professional training sessions on water issues ranging from compliance to legal, to accounting and product information.The NSWCA recently received a number of renowned guests at regularly scheduled meetings including:

• Matthew Myers, Long Island Regional Supervisor/Bureau of Public Works at New York State Department of Labor. The Department of Labor plays a major role in strengthening New York State’s economy by connecting job seekers to jobs, supporting businesses in hiring, assisting the unemployed and protecting workers. That is the agency’s mission.
• Marc Herbst Executive Director of the LI Contractor’s Association (LICA) located in Hauppauge, NY. The Long Island Contractors’ Association, Inc. (LICA), is a nationally regarded advocacy organization that seeks increased funding of our region’s infrastructure.
• Michael Ingham,  partner in Carman, Callahan & Ingham,  LLC (Farmingdale, NY) and General Counsel to the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC). Mike has been general counsel to several local municipalities for many years and specializes in complex insurance coverage litigation and Appellate Practice.
  
  

L To R: Commissioners Bill Schuckmann (Hicksville), Michael F. Rich III (Oyster Bay) and Andrew N. Bader (Plainview),  Mr. Matthew Myers.

L To R: Commissioners Kenneth P. Wenthen, Jr. (West Hempstead),Michael F. Rich (Oyster Bay), Andrew N. Bader (Plainview),  Mr. Marc Herbst, Commissioner Bill Schuckmann (Hicksville), Michael Ingham and Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello (Westbury).

On July 7, the Greenlawn Water District turns 90 years old, 90 years of success providing Mother Nature’s greatest natural resource to the residents of the District! The Greenlawn Water District has served residents ever since 1927 when Calvin Coolidge was President, Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic, and Babe Ruth slugged 60 homers. Since then the District has delivered the highest quality water virtually without interruption by hurricanes, hard winters and even Superstorm Sandy!

Congratulations to the entire staff of the GWD, Commissioners Bill Wieck, John McLaughlin and Jim Logan, and Superintendent Bob Santoriello on a job well done!

Farmingdale State College recently hosted the 32nd Annual Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) Best Tasting Water Contest, and the Franklin Square Water District (FSWD) took top honors as the best tasting tap water in Nassau County.

Photo:  Left to right:  Commissioner Ralph Pugliese, Assemblyman Edward P. Ra, Commissioner Madeline Presta, Commissioner Salvatore A. Intagliata, District Superintendent John Hughes.

“We are extremely proud to receive this honor,” said FSWD Water Commissioner Ralph D. Pugliese. “It is a testament to the dedication of the entire staff of the District who work tirelessly to ensure quality and compliance for some 20,000 customers. District Superintendent John Hughes and my fellow Water Commissioners, Salvatore A. Intagliata and Madeline F. Presta are extremely pleased to receive this honor.”

Photo:  Left to right:  Commissioner Ralph Pugliese, Commissioner Madeline Presta, Dennis Kelleher H2M,  Commissioner Salvatore A. Intagliata.

Commissioner Pugliese, a past President of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), also noted that the District’s mission has always been “to be vigilant in protecting our water quality and Long Island’s single source aquifer, as well as to promote conservation and sustainability. We work around the clock to provide top quality water to every tap via an infrastructure that includes 42 miles of water mains. This award recognizes those efforts.”

Edward P. Ra, Assemblyman of the 19^th District, also attended the informal ceremony at The Franklin Square Water District.

Each year during National Drinking Water Week, the LIWC invites Long Island residents to sample tap water from Nassau and Suffolk water suppliers in a blind taste test. Franklin Square received the most votes from the hundreds of contest participants. In addition, water experts were at the event to educate the public regarding the source(s) of their water and the invaluable importance of water quality, conservation and sustainability.

The Franklin Square Water District has delivered an uninterrupted supply of the highest quality water to residents since 1923, meeting or exceeding all New York State and Federal regulations, as well as industry standards.

Congratulations are in order for the Albertson Water District.  A century is quite a long time, and continually delivering a plentiful supply of high quality water for 100 years requires the concentrated efforts of generations of dedicated public servants and certainly deserves recognition.  Happy Birthday AWD!

Over the past ten decades, so many people have contributed to the District’s success. Congratulations to the current staff of the AWD, Commissioners Howard Abbondondelo, Richard Ockovic and Kenneth Vey, and Superintendent Rudolph Henriksen, on a job well done!