In response to Robert Brinkmann’s op ed, “Our approach to water is all wrong”, (April 6), the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association concurs that our public water supply aquifer is a precious natural resource requiring constant vigilance to ensure long-term sustainability. However, Brinkmann’s comparisons aren’t justified.

First, the Long Island aquifer is in fact managed by one agency. The state Department of Environmental Conservation has complete authority over withdrawal by all local water suppliers. The DEC approves all well permits and receives monthly reports from all suppliers.

In addition, an aquifer commission was formed in 2013 by both the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures to study Long Island’s aquifer and issue a report. This commission, called the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection, consists of experts from county health departments, public water suppliers, the Long Island Water Conference, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Suffolk County Water Authority, Environmental Advocates of New York and elected officials’ representatives.

The reference to Southern California’s water situation is not relevant because it compares Long Island with a desert-like region with entirely different conditions. The Texas and Florida examples are similarly inappropriate. Neither has such a widespread aquifer system with recharge rates comparable to that of Long Island. In fact, in both of those hot climates, the pumping season is much longer than ours.

Respectfully, Thomas Hand, President, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association

The newly elected 2015 NSWCA Board includes, left to right:

2nd Vice President Andrew N. Bader, Plainview Water District.

1st Vice President Raymond J. Averna, Massapequa Water District.

President Thomas P. Hand, Massapequa Water District.

Secretary Vincent Abbatiello, Westbury Water District.

Treasurer, and past NSWCA President, Karl M. Schweitzer, Hicksville Water District.

Education and Technology trainings will be held at the Westbury Fire Department HQ, 355 Maple Avenue, Westbury NY 11590. Classes will all start at 6:30 pm, and they are open to business managers, superintendents and other water district staff as deemed appropriate by each district.  Topics will include Financial Administration, Water Commissioner Management, Code of Ethics / Conflicts of Interest, Freedom of Information / Open Meetings Law, Nassau County Civil Service Overview and New York State Prevailing Wage Overview.

o February 19, 2015 

o April 16, 2015 

o June 18, 2015 

o August 20, 2015 

o October 15, 2015 

o November 11, 2015

Long Island voters in 21 Commissioner-run Water Districts have voted to elect or reelect Water Commissioners in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.  The NSWCA welcomes the new Commissioners who will serve three-year terms beginning January 1, 2015 and running through December 31, 2017.  Elections are held annually.  Commissioner-run Districts enable residents to express preferences through the voting process on a hyper-local basis. The NSWCA congratulates the following on their elections:

Albertson:                      Richard Ockovic

Bethpage:                      John R. Sullivan

Carle Place:                    Lawrence F. Zaino Jr.

Cathedral Gardens:      Ray Rockensies

Franklin Square:           Salvatore A. Intagliata

Garden City Park:          Peter Chimenti

Glenwood:                     Kenneth S. Uihlein

Greenlawn:                    William M. Wieck

Hicksville:                     William Schuckmann

Jericho:                         Anthony J. Cincotta

Locust Valley:                Pasquale J. Eliseo

Manhasset-Lakeville:      Mark Sauvigne

Massapequa:                 Thomas P. Hand

Oyster Bay:                  Robert J. McEvoy

Plainview:                     Marc B. Laykind

Port Washington:            Peter Meyer

Roslyn:                          William K. Costigan

South Farmingdale:         Ralph Atoria

South Huntington:           Ciro DePalo

Westbury:                      William C. Olson

West Hempstead:           Kenneth P. Wenthen, Jr.

Farmingdale, NY – The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSCWA) recently welcomed speakers from Long Island’s electric utility, Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), as part of the Association’s ongoing Educational Series. Robert Hughes, PSEG Account Manager, along with colleagues Domenic R. Abbatiello, C.E.D., E.D.F.P., Manager of Large Consumer Support & Critical Facilities, and Robert Ganley, Manager Compliance, introduced the company.  The discussion included PSEG’s history, five-year action plan and management structure as relevant to critical facilities.

“Customer satisfaction begins with enhanced communication services for the public and civic organizations,” said Mr. Hughes.  “PSEG has implemented a proven communications model which includes enhanced training and response, a state-of-the-art call center and self-grading system.

“The NSWCA applauds PSEG’s strategy for communication,” stated Howard Abbondondelo, NSWCA President and Albertson Water Commissioner.  Accurate, complete information is vital to the safety of the public and our working crews.  Trust is built through communication and transparency, particularly in times of emergency.”

NSWCA commissioners wasted no time in using this opportunity to open dialogue with PSEG. Lawrence Zaino, Commissioner from the Carle Place Water District, addressed the “hurricane poles” installed along some of Long Island’s coastal communities.  These 65-70 foot poles bolster the power grid where residents have expressed safety and aesthetic concerns.

Karl Schweitzer, Commissioner from the Hicksville Water District, vocalized trepidation over new utility poles preservatives. “Chemicals on the poles can negatively affect the environment and potentially the water table,” Mr. Schweitzer said.  He continued by asking about environmental studies and alternatives explored by PSET.

PSEG’s Domenic Abbatiello advanced no resolutions but welcomed the opportunity for further discussion with the NSWCA and the community at large, in hopes of finding a solution that is both economical and viable.

“Maximizing our water budgets and remaining the least expensive of utilities is a mission of NSWCA commissioners,” stated Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato. Mr. Stellato inquired about whether or not water districts can use energy efficient programs to sell power back to the grid, aiding the environment and saving the community money.

“If an energy efficient program makes sense, PSEG will assign a rebate to it,” responded   Mr. Hughes assured.

The September meeting served as preface to future dialogues between the NSWCA and PSEG.  Plans for continued communications will improve the safety, efficiencies, cooperation and service of Long Island’s public utilities.

Melville, NY USA – As part of an ongoing commitment to ensure the safety of water supply operations in all member districts, The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) attended the recent Hurricane Seminar held at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center Bethpage NY.  Deputy Commissioner Leonard B. Symons of the Town of Oyster Bay presided.

The seminar focused on effective planning for potentially catastrophic events like Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene. Of particular interest to the NSWCA were discussions regarding the improvement of forecasting and outreach, including partnerships with national, state and local emergency operation centers.

“Long Island is vulnerable to storms because of its geography,” said Commissioner Richard P. Niznik of the Oyster Bay Water District.  “No one knows what Mother Nature will bring.  The seminar information indicated that the hurricane prediction for 2014 is anywhere from eight to thirteen named storms.  The relative severity of the respective storms is unknown.”

The seminar included representatives from the National Hurricane Center, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), Nassau County, PSEG, and the Town of Oyster Bay.  The NSWCA was represented at the event by Commissioners Niznik and Michael F. Rich III, (Oyster Bay Water District), and NSWCA Secretary Andrew Bader (Commissioner, Plainview Water District).

“NOAA will soon have a new map on their website that will show predicted storm surge and water levels from the ground up.” Commissioner Andrew Bader stated.  “This will help us to prepare residents living in vulnerable areas.”

NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo, Commissioner from Albertson added, “As elected Commissioners, it is incumbent upon us to continually safeguard our constituents and the water delivery systems that enable them to go about their daily lives.  This seminar and similar educational forums give us the direction to supplement our existing emergency procedures.”

Left to right: Channel12’s Bill Korbel, Plainview Water District Commissioner Andrew Bader, TOB Deputy Supervisor Leonard B. Symons, Oyster Bay Water District Commissioners Michael F. Rich III and Richard P. Niznik.

As part of their continuing education initiative, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) held discussions and demonstrations of new water reading and metering technologies designed to help utilities increase water conservation support. Hosted by West Hempstead Water District Commissioners John Sparacio, Joseph Marando and Ken Wenthen, presentations included discussions and hands-on product demonstrations. Guest speakers included Michael Voyias of Holtsville, NY-based T. Mina Supply and Joshua Ordway, Manager of Technology Services for Sensus Water Meters, an international manufacturer of utility management resources.

Discussions centered on water conservation processes, new products as well as the Sensus Logic^TM intelligence program. “Several of the new technologies dovetail with Long Island’s conservation needs,” said NSWCA Treasurer Karl Schweitzer of the Hicksville Water District.  “For example, one system represents a transformation in residential meter design that is twice as strong as legacy bronze models.  With no moving parts, its accuracy is maintained throughout the life of the product. The integration of smart technology provides utilities in Nassau and Suffolk with real-time data and information that helps to conserve water in the home.”

“Advancements in metering and monitoring for each water utility are much needed, especially as Long Island’s population and water consumption continues to grow,” said NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo from the Albertson Water District.  “The future of our island’s drinking water and the aquifer that supplies it require that our water districts stay abreast of new technologies and advancements to further assist our water conservation efforts.  It is with this in mind that NSWCA continues to proactively educate its commissioners and districts regarding various solutions available.”

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting, Stephen Terracciano, Office Chief of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) program, spoke about the USGS’ mission and latest findings regarding Long Island’s water supply. The meeting was hosted by Roslyn Water District Commissioners Michael J. Kosinski, William Costigan, and Dr. Sanford E. Klein.

“Data indicates that urbanization of western Long Island has had a significant effect on the underlying water resources,” stated Mr. Terracciano.  “Installation of sewers and storm drains, along with large scale pumpage, has caused significant declines in water levels.  This has led to reduction in streamflow, loss of wetlands, saltwater intrusion, basement and subway flooding.”

Water resources are affected by many factors, both natural and man-made, including climate change, storms, population growth and land-use.  On Long Island, the USGS collects hydrologic data through a network of stations that monitor wells, streams, lakes, estuaries and meteorological posts. This data is collected, organized and used to identify trends and influences on the water system including water supply, salt water intrusion, climate, population, drought and flood monitoring.

NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District remarked on the importance of the USGS studies.  “The data collected by the USGS is essential to the policy making that protects and manages our precious water resource.  Introducing the USGS to the newest members of NSWCA and reaffirming the importance of the organization’s work is part of NSWCA’s ongoing educational program and initiatives.”

A national science-based organization, the U.S. Geological Survey has provided the public with impartial information on the health of our environment, ecosystems and natural resources, including water supply, for over 100 years.  On Long Island, the organization is currently sustained by a shared funding program to which the NSWCA has supported and contributed $50,000.

For further information, contact NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo via phone, (516) 621-3610 or email, awd11577@optonline.net.

Agency Contact, or for information regarding your district’s water commissioners, contact  Mr. Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. via phone, (631) 756-7160 or email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

Photo Caption:  Pictured left to right: Stephen Terracciano, Office Chief of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District.