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.”

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.”

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, 1^st Vice President John F. Coumatos of the Bethpage Water District, 2^nd 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.

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.”

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

Robert J. McEvoy,Commissioner and Chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District, has been elected 1^st 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 2^nd 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.

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.

Bringing Home the Gold in Suffolk…again.

After an absence of three years, the 34^th 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 11^th number one ranking overall. We are extremely proud of this recognition.”

Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond Averna Plays Instrumental Role in Selection Process for 2023 Nicholas J. Bartilucci Manhattan College Scholarship Awarded to Long Island/North Massapequa Resident

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), one of the region’s leading water supply authorities serving over 620,000 people across Long Island, has awarded its prestigious 2023 Nicholas J. Bartilucci Manhattan College Scholarship to Ms. Isabella Gluszak, a North Massapequa resident who lives within the South Farmingdale Water District. Given for performance excellence in the classroom, this annual scholarship is open to entering freshmen who live within a District of the NSWCA and are enrolled full-time in any engineering degree program at Manhattan College in Riverdale, Bronx, New York.

NSWCA President and Locust Valley Water District Chairperson Patricia Peterson commented, “The NSWCA Bartilucci Scholarship recognizes the enormous contributions made by the late Nicholas J. Bartilucci, a water industry leader who served as a Jericho Water District Commissioner for over 48 years. Nick’s dedication to water supply and environmental conservation as Water Commissioner and as President of D&B Engineers and Architects, was invaluable in elevating consciousness about Long Island’s long-term sustainability.”

Ms. Gluszak thanked members of the NSWCA, South Farmingdale Commissioners Ralph Atoria, John Hirt and Gary Brosnan, and former NSWCA President and current Massapequa Water District Commissioner Mr. Raymond Averna, who were instrumental in this year’s Bartilucci Award selection process. Commissioner Averna added, “Inspiring a younger generation of engineers like Isabella Gluszak through education creates an incredible impact and a path to success. We are happy to select Isabella as this year’s recipient of this commemorative award.”

“It has been wonderful to witness the aspirations I have had since childhood start to become a reality. This scholarship has made those goals much more attainable,” said Ms. Gluszak, who is currently studying mechanical engineering at Manhattan College, and aiming to work in the aerospace industry.

Pictured from L to R: Ray Averna, Massapequa Water District Commissioner; Melissa Gluszak; Isabella Gluszak; John Hirt and Ralph Atoria, South Farmingdale Water District Commissioners. Mr. Atoria serves as 1st Vice President of NSWCA.

NSWCA Members Bethpage, Jericho, Franklin Square and Oyster Bay Water Districts commemorate 100 years of dedicated service to their respective communities

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association has announced that four of its 21 member Districts will celebrate a century of service in 2023, according to NSWCA President Patricia Peterson.

“This is an historic industry achievement right here on Long Island that is very likely unprecedented in the United States,” stated NSWCA President Patricia Peterson, who is also a Chairwoman of the Locust Valley Water District. “The fact is that the Bethpage, Jericho, Franklin Square and Oyster Bay Water Districts are voter-elected and commissioner-run Districts is a testimony to a system that has been perfected over time and guarantees local control.”

The Bethpage Water District, Jericho Water District, Franklin Square Water District and Oyster Bay Water District all have different plans to commemorate the historic events. These range from special events and historic timelines dating from the presidency of Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929) to open houses, archival photography and web-based educational columns and articles for children and adults.

Providing an uninterrupted supply of quality water generally goes unnoticed, President Peterson added, “because water is taken for granted, especially on Long Island. Whenever you turn the tap, the spigot or the shower knob, the water is there, and it meets all the local, federal and ultra-stringent New York State standards.”

The four centenarian Districts epitomize the uninterrupted provision of billions of gallons of water to consumers and businesses year in and year out for a century despite hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms and even Superstorm Sandy.

As the populations of each District have grown, all four have adapted technology to meet the increased demand, infrastructure management and quality challenges, an unwanted legacy from previous era.