February 21, 2014 – Albertson, New York ………………………….The plight of Charleston West Virginia residents has largely been rectified, but not until after some 300,000 people were without water for up to 21 days.  7,500 gallons of crude methylcyclohexane methanol or MCHM, a chemical used in coal processing, leaked from a massive storage container into the Elk River, contaminating the area’s main source of drinking water.  The spill from the Freedom Industries plant was dangerous and eye opening, but concerned Long Island residents should be aware that such an event is virtually impossible in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

The differences lie in hydrogeology and water system management.  Charleston, West Virginia’s Capitol, is nestled in the Kanawha Valley at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha Rivers, a center for chemical, coal, and other industries.  “Our situation here on Long Island is much different to Charleston, starting with how we get our water in the first place,” stated Howard Abbondondelo, NSWCA President and Albertson Water Commissioner.  Charleston’s water source is surface water provided by the Elk River.  In Nassau and Suffolk, our source of water is groundwater primarily drawn from the Magothy Aquifer and the depth in most locations is hundreds of feet below the ground surface.”

Surface water is highly susceptible to contamination from storm water runoff and wastewater treatment plant discharges, as well as spills and leaks of hazardous substances.  In many cases, there is a short flow travel time between the point of contamination and the sole municipal potable water intake.  Long Island’s water suppliers, including the 21 Commissioner-run districts represented by the NSWCA, directly manage a multiplicity of wells and test and monitor groundwater with regularity.

“With numerous wells spread out across the Island, the chances for a pandemic situation or shutdown as occurred in Charleston are remote,” NSWCA First Vice President and Massapequa Water Commissioner Tom Hand observed.  “By themselves, the 21 districts account for approximately 220 wells.  This is in addition to wells serving the two cities (Glen Cove and Long Beach), numerous villages, three private water companies and the Suffolk County Water Authority.  The total number of public water supply wells located throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties is estimated to be in excess of 1,000.”

Storm-driven disasters could potentially affect delivery for Long Island residents.  However, even Superstorm Sandy did not stop water delivery.  In fact, no Commissioner-run district had an interruption in water supply during or after the storm.

“That’s due to meticulous preparation,” Massapequa Commissioner Raymond J. Averna stated.  “Our Districts are prepared for such events. We all have standby power and direct drive engines or generators to keep water flowing to homes and businesses. In addition, there are numerous interconnections to allow for the transfer of water between adjacent suppliers.  And, we all owe a great deal of gratitude to Long Island water district operators and crews who maintain our systems.”

Another reason why the likelihood for an island-wide water shutdown is slim is the testing and security that originate with concerned professional management. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stringent requirements and the New York State Department of Health (NYDOH) and the Nassau and Suffolk County Health Departments are diligent in their enforcement of regulations.  The day-in, day-out involvement by water districts on the local level, specifically monitoring, inspection and continual testing, help to ensure the cleanest and highest quality water possible.

By and large, Long Island water is of enviable quality.  However, where required, treatment is provided to achieve a supply that complies with stringent regulatory requirement. “Our aquifers constitute a vast resource that needs to be monitored carefully and managed scientifically on a daily basis,” President Abbondondelo affirmed. “This is necessary to prevent potential disasters like what happened in Charleston West Virginia. All our efforts are designed to preserve the excellent quality of our water, and to minimize costs to Long Island consumers whose daily lives depend on it.”

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) meeting sponsored by the Plainview Water District, the Association elected a new board for the 2014 term.  The term of service for NSWCA’s new board members runs January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014.

The newly elected 2013 Board includes:

• President: Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District
• 1^st Vice President: Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District
• 2^nd Vice President: Raymond J. Averna of Massapequa Water District
• Treasurer:   Karl Schweitzer of Hicksville Water District, a past NSWCA President
• Secretary:  Andrew N. Bader of Plainview Water District

January 8, 2014, Melville, NY USA – The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) applauds the good judgment demonstrated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the strong leadership of Senator Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) regarding the Community Fire Safety Act of 2013, which has resulted in an exemption for fire hydrants.

The Act, which amends the 2011 Reduction of Drinking Water Act, was intended to reduce the potential for lead in drinking water by establishing lower lead thresholds, a position supported by major groups including the NSWCA. As of January 4, 2014, the amount of lead in fittings, pipes and fixtures will be significantly reduced.

The original bill was essentially based on California and Vermont laws that explicitly exempt fire hydrants. However, in late October 2013, the EPA indicated that fire hydrants, even though they are not intended for drinking water, were not exempt.  To comply, water districts on Long Island and across the nation would no longer be able to use stockpiled replacement hydrants, and would be compelled to purchase reduced lead fire hydrants. The new exemption changes that.

NSWCA President Howard Abbondondelo commented, “All 21 of our commissioner-run member districts have stockpiles of hydrants for emergency, expansion and projected future maintenance needs. The savings to water districts in Nassau and Suffolk realized by this exemption could run into the millions of dollars, in addition to savings of time and labor.”

The U.S. Senate passed the bill unanimously, as did the U.S. House of Representatives, 384-0 and President Obama signed it into law. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) called it “a tremendous victory for the water sector, our communities and common sense.”

NSWCA President Abbondondelo, also a Commissioner from Albertson, added “considering that Long Island water districts are constantly seeking to contain costs in order to continue to keep Long Island’s average per 1,000 gallon pricing among the lowest rates in the USA, this development is great news for all Long Island ratepayers.”

NSWCA 1^st Vice President Thomas Hand, a Commissioner from Massapequa commented,  “We are very pleased with the united front and the determined bipartisan leadership that has enabled this to come to pass.  It’s a positive outcome for all.”

Working together for the common good of all Long Islanders

We, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), commend the recent Newsday/News 12 efforts to inform and educate the public regarding Long Island’s most valuable resource, our single source water supply.

As an association composed of professionals closest to Long Island’s water realities, few understand the intricacies of water production, delivery, conservation and sustainability more than we do. Having been charged with keeping our water safe and affordable, maintaining a plentiful supply and guaranteeing efficient service, we, the independent commissioner-operated districts, are the stewards who represent the people, our consumers, each and every day, without exception.

For the better part of a century, Long Island’s independent commissioner-elected water districts have represented their ratepayers and constituents with vigilance and dedication.  As the Newsday/News 12 articles illustrate, this has resulted in Long Island’s average cost of drinking water being one of the lowest costs in the nation.  The proactive infrastructure upgrading policies of the independent districts associated with the NSWCA have served taxpayers well in other ways.  Most notably, when Superstorm Sandy carved a wide swath of destruction, not a single commissioner-led water district experienced an interruption in service, thanks to the dedicated crews who are local to their communities, and who steadfastly defended their districts.

It should be pointed out that today, the safety of our sole source aquifer and water supply systems must be guarded not only against pollution, overuse and salt water intrusion, but also against potential terrorist activities. This necessitates close working arrangements between government agencies, regulatory bodies, suppliers and the public…a policy heartily endorsed by the members of the NSWCA.

The concept of popular election of local commissioners in locally-run water utilities is as American as apple pie, harkening back to the New England town meetings. The NSWCA believes that having a direct say by voting for men and women who live in the same community, share the same concerns and utilize the same water, is the best way to guarantee safety for all.

We believe in comprehensive, hands-on vigilance and in fighting the good fight, dealing head on with tough environmental issues so many of which are legacies of the WWII and Cold War eras.  We believe in open, honest collaboration with local, state and federal governments.  And we believe in education and outreach to inform the public and to guide them as our neighbors, to help them to genuinely endorse and adopt a fundamental best practices outlook for every community on Long Island.

And we believe that because water is the most essential of all resources, Long Island’s aquifers must be defended with science and a passion for the benefit of our children’s childrens’ children.  We, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), representing 21 independently elected districts, maintain that anything less is unacceptable, and we will not settle for less in our respective communities.

– Gary F. Brosnan, President, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association and Water Commissioner, South Farmingdale Water District

Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) meeting are: Massapequa Water District Commissioners and NSWCA members Raymond Averna and Joseph Tricarico; Albertson Water Commissioner and NSWCA 1st Vice President Howard Abbondondelo; NSWCA Guest Speaker, Nassau County Legislator Michael Venditto; South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner and NSWCA President Gary Brosnan; and Massapequa Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary Thomas Hand.

Michael Venditto, Nassau County Legislator of the 12^th District covering Massapequa and Farmingdale, was recently guest speaker at Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ (NSWCA) September meeting.  Representing Nassau County’s Boards of Public Works, Public Safety, Health & Social Services, and Finance, as well as the County’s Planning, Development & Environment Committee, Legislator Venditto’s participation at the meeting is part of an ongoing communication effort that he believes is “essential in providing the best level of service to the public for our key natural resource.”

Since taking office after being unanimously elected to fill the seat of late County Legislator Peter Schmitt in October 2012, Legislator Venditto, son of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, has devoted special focus on storm recovery.  During his NSWCA address, he shared with NSWCA members the public’s praise and “rave reviews” for Long Island water commissioners’ stellar emergency response, which involved no interruption of service at any time during and in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Pointing out the public’s growing concern about Long Island’s water supply, Legislator Venditto discussed how and why continuing communication between commissioner-run districts and regulatory bodies remains a vital part of the ongoing strategies needed to “continually provide the public with the best quality water and utility service possible.”  He also spoke enthusiastically about working with the water commissioners to further their continuing efforts in water conservation and heralded local control as “a system that works, and a system that must prevail.”

NSWCA President Gary Brosnan of South Farmingdale Water District stated, “Water is our most essential utility, and we must work together to protect it island-wide. The issues we are facing today and will face tomorrow will require close cooperation, clear communication and combined resolve.  Legislator Michael Venditto has reaffirmed our Water Districts’ government support channels and helped revitalize communications between local commissioners and their county legislators.”

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact NSWCA President Gary Brosnan via phone, 516 249-3330, or email, gary@sfwater.com.

For information regarding your district’s water commissioners, please contact Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. via phone, 631-756-7160, or email jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

Agency Contact Information:  Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc.; phone 631-756-7160; email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

# # #

Calls for regional approach with experienced water professionals

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) recently met to discuss pending legislation about Long Island aquifers and the regional water landscape of the future.

Mr. Dennis Kelleher, President of H2M Architects + Engineers (Melville), a leading engineering and environmental firm, spoke about several resolutions recently introduced in both the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures, to create a regional management commission.

Mr. Kelleher noted, “Both counties utilize a sole source aquifer.  Long Island needs to take a regional approach to our future based on scientific fact, not politics.  Our aquifer is vast, but it is threatened in numerous areas. For example, not every water supplier has salt water intrusion, but as a region, we have to consider that as well as plume monitoring, water table levels and other vital issues, island-wide.”

Mr. Kelleher explained that the proposed resolutions would include creation of a Long Island Aquifer Commission.  He led a lively discussion regarding the proposed number of members on the commission, who would appoint those members and the necessity for industry credentials. “We must get all parties to appreciate the importance of this aquifer, understand the daily needs of Long Islanders, and elevate the value of water in the public’s mind.”

NSWCA President Gary Brosnan asserted “As the stewards closest to water production, safety, and environmental and conservation issues, the NSWCA endorses the creation of a Long Island Aquifer Commission. We believe it can be especially effective if the committee includes experienced, qualified representation with first hand knowledge of the drinking water issues that affect nearly 3 million Long Island residents.

Brosnan added, “The NSWCA wants to continue to ensure that besides maintaining the highest possible levels of quality, our water remains the least expensive of all utilities.”

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Gary Brosnan: (516) 249-3330 or email: gary@sfwater.com

For information regarding your district’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at (631) 756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: (631) 756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

In the recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) meeting, sponsored by the Garden City Park Water District, newly elected President, Gary Brosnan honored outgoing President Robert McEvoy.

Robert McEvoy received an honorary plaque in recognition and appreciation of his 2012 term as President of the NSWCA.  During his tenure Mr. McEvoy led the association in partnering with Nassau County to bring the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring back to the Water Districts of Nassau.  He also spearheaded several of the association’s educational seminars on best practices in open government and financial accountability, and he worked closely with providers in both Nassau and Suffolk on protection programs for Long Island’s aquifers.

Mr. McEvoy continues as Chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District and as a valued member of NSWCA.  He is also Oyster Bay Town Comptroller and a professor of economics at C.W. Post, Long Island University.

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association
The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Gary Brosnan: email: gary@sfwater.com

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

For information regarding your district’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

This spring, a month-long dedication to water as Earth’s greatest natural resource is in full swing, and the NSWCA is supporting preservation, conservation and educational efforts in a big way.

The United States’ water is considered the safest drinking water in the world [1].  New York State’s on-tap water supply is renowned for its healthy, high quality, and great tasting water [2].  And on Long Island, the drinking water is regarded as one of the nation’s best supplies.

Throughout April and May, the NSWCA is involved with a number of activities intended to educate and facilitate efforts in preserving and supplying water to our communities.

Beginning April 16, NSWCA commissioners and superintendents attended the New York Water Event and Expo 2013, in Saratoga Springs, NY.  The theme, “Our Aging Infrastructure,” covered the numerous challenges that water systems are facing.  The challenges include water quality and system management, distribution systems, operator training, storm water management and more.  Hot news topics such as Hydrofracking and emergency response groundwater issues received special attention.  In addition, NSWCA commissioners learned of new technologies and solutions from guest speakers and commissioners from other districts throughout the state.

“The New York Water Event and Expo is the largest conference devoted to drinking water in New York State.” Mr. Gary Brosnan, President of NSWCA observed. “It’s a valuable opportunity for NSWCA member Districts to learn about the latest technologies and advancements concerning water.  The demonstrations, seminars and exhibits foster opportunities to learn from each other and to gain awareness of practices that have been tried and tested.”

The focus on drinking water continued May 5^th through 11^th, with the observance of the United States’ 25^th annual Drinking Water Week. The event was first declared in a Joint Congregational Resolution signed by President Ronald Regan and supported by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

During Drinking Water Week water utilities, environmental and other pubic organizations work to center the public’s focus on water as a vital resource.  Activities throughout the week include public education on the sustainability and potential future challenges of our water supply.  As part of water observance, NSWCA member Districts have different activities planned, from water tasting competitions to school assemblies.

“Awareness through education at every level in the community helps preserve the quality, availability and sustainability of our drinking water now and into the future,” commented Mr. Nicholas Bartilucci, Jericho Water Commissioner.

Continuing education, collaboration, and best practices are something NSWCA members strive to continually improve upon throughout the year.  The nation and state’s springtime efforts help focus on this vital resource.

“Water is our most essential resource, and all too often it is taken for granted,” Mr. Howard Abbondondelo, Commissioner of Albertson Water District said.  “National Water Week and activities throughout this month help bring focus to Long Island’s conservation efforts and water supply.”

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

[1] US Environmental Protection Agency. Drinking water and health: what you need to know. Washington, DC: US Environmental Protection Agency; 2009. Available at http://water.epa.gov/drink/guide/upload/book_waterontap_full.pdf .

[2] NYC.Gov.  NYC Water on the Go.  2013, The City of New York.  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/drinking_water/wotg.shtml

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Gary Brosnan: 516 249-3330 or email: gary@sfwater.com

For information regarding your District’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

# # #

Following the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a full‐scale assessment of Long Island’s utility resources and management of these resources is still in progress. Lack of adequate preparation and/or leadership caused failures in nearly every major utility from power…to gas…to communications, but there were no failures and/or interruption of service among Long Island’s 21 commissioner‐run water districts.

In a recent meeting of the Nassau‐Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA), held in Hicksville, New York, Robert McEvoy, President of NSWCA commented, “I’m proud to announce that we (locally run water districts) were the only major utility on Long Island that did not fail to service during Superstorm Sandy.”

This was not by accident. Diligent preparations and plans put in place throughout each of the NSCWA’s districts ensure that all consumers have clean, safe water during and after any major crisis situation.

Each district was ready for the storm with practiced emergency planning and protocols in place, supervised by district water commissioners and superintendents. Crews worked around the clock to ensure that the distribution systems were fully operational, backup diesel powered pumps and generators were tested and additional fuel supply stocked. During and after the storm, wells were carefully monitored to ensure the delivery of clean and sustainable water throughout each district.

NSWCA represents locally run water districts where the water resource is managed and run by commissioners who live within the district. “As members of the community, our response and the priorities of our response are to address the needs of our community firsthand,” stated Gary Brosnan, South Farmingdale Water Commissioner.

Water remains one of Long Island’s least expensive utilities with commissioner‐run districts diligently working to protect and to conserve this resource at an affordable cost. While consolidation continues to threaten the autonomy of locally‐run resources, Hurricane Sandy represented an excellent example of preparedness, response and the ultimate success that comes from community‐based leadership.

About Nassau‐Suffolk Water Commissioners Association
The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts. NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts. As part of its mission, the Association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations as well as issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President Mr. Robert McEvoy: (516) 322‐3168 or email: nswca@aol.com

Agency Contact Information: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc.: (631) 756‐7160 or email: jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com