Former Roslyn Water Commissioner Jack Russo passed away peacefully on September 21, 2017, at the age of 94.  A memorial tribute was held on Saturday, October 7 at the Bryant Library, 2 Paper Mill Road, Roslyn NY. Jack was a long time honorary member of the NSWCA and served as NSWCA President 2000 – 2002.

“Jack” as we knew him, served the Village of East Hills as Trustee for 24 years and on the Roslyn Water District Board for 23 years, many of them as Chair.  An expert in water district operations and environmental issues, Jack was well known for his conservation efforts and the protection of our natural resources, including our great aquifer water supply.

Jack had many business successes and continued to be a force for the environment. One of his proudest accomplishments was the preservation of the 50+ acre site of the former Air National Guard Base as a Special Groundwater Protection area, which later became the Park at East Hills.

As District Superintendent Richard Passariello summarized so succinctly, “Jack epitomized the meaning of public service.”

~Clean Water & Grant Funding for Water Infrastructure Improvements Among Topic Discussed~

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Regional Director Carrie Meek Gallagher discussed a host of topics and specific actions regarding clean water, ensuring grant funding for water infrastructure needs, and reducing irrigation demand.

“As we seek to protect, preserve and monitor the environment and public health, testing wells, particularly those not sampled in 7-10 years, is extremely important to ensure a plentiful supply of clean water,” Ms. Gallagher said. “The DEC also plans to thoroughly review existing records, maps and other documentation pertaining to the possible use of radiological materials at former military and industrial facilities across Long Island to ascertain any information gaps and better evaluate potential impacts to public health and the environment from such past practices.”

Ms. Gallagher discussed the need for grant funding for water infrastructure improvements and the potentially huge impact of reducing irrigation demand on Long Island. “We will roll out a new and broader conservation plan in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This will include golf courses, which of course are large scale consumers of groundwater,” Ms. Gallagher added. The presentation was followed by a lively question and answer session.

“It was a pleasure having Carrie Meek Gallagher address the commissioners with such an open and informative presentation,” stated Andrew N. Bader, NSWCA President and Plainview Water District Commissioner. “Conservation and sustainability are topics of vital importance to all 21 of our member Districts each and every day.”

The NSWCA’s Continuing Education Series recently featured guest speaker Robert J. Freeman, Esq., Executive Director and Chief Attorney of the New York State Committee on Open Government.  Mr. Freeman’s informative and entertaining presentation centered on the Freedom of Information Law (FOIL), including compliance, public access and best practices. He  addressed the group on details of public access, the scope of freedom of information, and lesser known or often-misinterpreted facts of open meeting compliance.  All observations were explained to assist elected officials in maintaining best practices when serving their municipalities. The training meeting was open to all NSWCA members and district employees and was extremely well attended.

Left to right:  Hicksville Water Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary Bill Schuckmann; Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner and NSWCA 2nd VP Michael F. Rich III; NSWCA President and Plainview Water District Commissioner Andrew N. Bader; Mr. Freeman; West Hempstead Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Treasurer, Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr.

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.”