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Urgent News About COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

The spread of the coronavirus represents an unprecedented situation. NSWCA member districts have been proactive in addressing the situation and in adhering to the conditions of the existing state of emergency for the public well-being.

Important Points:

  1. The virus is not waterborne.
  2. Your water supply is safe to use in all ways.
  3. Water flow, water pressure and water services are not affected or interrupted by this crisis.
  4. There is no need to stockpile bottled water.

Beyond water concerns, and for the public good:

  • It is imperative to be vigilant and to obey good hygiene practices. Please refer to the information and health messages from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) suggestions at https://www.cdc.gov
  • Monitor for and observe changes in all federal and New York State guidelines.
  • If you or family members are sick or showing signs of sickness including a cold, respiratory concerns, cough, fatigue or fever, stay home. Having one or multiple symptoms does not mean you have the virus.
  • Any person who has been told to self-quarantine must stay home.

Paying Water Bills:

This is a very stressful and difficult time for everyone within our community. Contact your local NSWCA member district for more information about public access.

Please observe all hygiene recommendations. We appreciate your cooperation in dealing with this unprecedented COVID-19 crisis.

 

Meeting Cancellation

Dear NSWCA Member:

NSWCA has decided to cancel its meeting for Monday, March 16, 2020 out of an abundance of caution. Many organizations such as the LIWC and LICAP have canceled meetings and events in response to concerns surrounding the coronavirus.

As of today, the World Health Organization (WHO)  has declared the coronavirus a pandemic.

Many of our members fall into the sensitive population category, so it would be sensible to cancel our meeting at this time.

In lieu of an in person meeting, we are looking at the possibility of setting up a conference call.

We will forward the conference call information, including date and time, in a separate email once we get it set up.

Regards,
NSWCA Board of Directors

LIWC Legislative Breakfast March 13, 2020

Save the Date!

NSWCA member districts  are encouraged to attend the Long Island Water Conference Legislative Breakfast on March 13, 2020.  The Conference officially begins at 8:00 a.m.

Venue:  Heritage Club at Bethpage, Quaker Meeting House Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735

NSWCA Elects New 2020 Board

Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) Elects New 2020 Board. Hicksville Water Commissioner William Schuckmann named President.

Franklin Square, New York, USA– At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting sponsored by the Carle Place Water District, the Association elected a new Board for the 2020 term, which runs through December 31, 2020.

Carle Place Water District Commissioners Tim Stellato, Lawrence F. Zaino Jr, and Tal Vacchio hosted the meeting.

The newly elected NSWCA 2020 Board includes incoming President William Schuckmann of the Hicksville Water District who succeeds outgoing President Michael F. Rich III of the Oyster Bay Water District; 1st Vice President Amanda Field of the Plainview Water District; 2ndVice President John F. Coumatos of the Bethpage Water District; Secretary Patricia Peterson of the Locust Valley Water District; and Treasurer Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. of the Carle Place Water District.

“The commissioners from the 21 districts which compose our organization have been elected by voters to represent their best interests in the supply of water,” President Schuckmann stated. “Given the great public concern and the talents and dedication of this new NSWCA Board, I am confident that 2020 will be a successful year meeting the challenges of production and compliance, as well as campaigning on behalf of sustainability, conservation and protecting the health of our aquifer. We will continue our efforts to keep the public updated through continual education, including the latest scientific and environmental information.”

PHOTO CAPTION:
Pictured from left to right a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting are newly elected water commissioners who make up this year’s NSWCA 2020 Board: NSWCA Treasurer Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. of Carle Place Water District; NSWCA 1st Vice President Amanda R. Field of Plainview Water District; NSWCA incoming President William Schuckmann of Hicksville Water District who succeeds outgoing 2019 President Michael F. Rich III of Oyster Bay Water District; NSWCA Secretary Patricia Peterson of Locust Valley Water District; and NSWCA 2ndVice President John F. Coumatos of Bethpage Water District.

Photo courtesy of J.P. Stanco of Progressive Marketing Group, Inc., who grants media permission use of photo.

Siela Bynoe at Training Session

NSWCA commissioners and water district superintendents attended a training session of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association which was held on Wednesday, January 15th, 2020, at the Westbury Fire Department, 355 Maple Ave., Westbury.

NSWCA President William Schuckmann welcomed the Commissioners and Superintendents to the training session and welcomed guest speaker and Nassau County Legislator from the Second Legislative District, Siela A. Bynoe.  Commissioners Patricia Peterson (Locust Valley Water District), Rodney Caines and Barry V. Green (Westbury Water District) and Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. (Carle Place Water District) were in attendance.

Ms. Bynoe engaged the audience by providing input and opinions on four topics important to all Long Islanders:

  1. The initial availability of $100,000 in 2020 from Nassau County for residents who do not have incentive programs to purchase and install irrigation Smart Controllers. The County is hopeful to expand the program to improve water conservation efforts.
  2. The proposed bill to re-institute the Groundwater and Public Water Supply Facts Report for Nassau County. Environmental groups, suppliers, engineers and regulators had found the report a resourceful tool in the past when analyzing groundwater issues and trends.
  3. The availability of Nassau County Legislative grant funds for tangible items.
  4. The impact, timeframe, and cost concerns of 1,4 Dioxane treatment.

Ms. Bynoe is a 40-year resident of Westbury, a graduate of Westbury High School, received her BA from Hofstra University and her Master’s in Public Administration from C.W. Post, Log Island University.

Left to right:  Commissioner Patricia Peterson , Commissioner and NSWCA President William Schuckmann, Commissioner Rodney Caines,  Legislator Bynoe, Commissioner Barry V. Green, Commissioner Lawrence F. Zaino Jr.

Jericho Dedicates Bartilucci Building

The distinguished accomplishments of one of New York’s leading experts on water supply, conservation and sustainability were further memorialized by a host of dignitaries with the official dedication of the Nicholas J. Bartilucci Administration Building Operations Complex, 125 Convent Road, in Syosset, New York, by the Jericho Water District (JWD).

The late Mr. Bartilucci, a Jericho Water District Commissioner for more than 45 years and a founding member and past President of the Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association, was a recognized industry spokesperson whose expertise and leadership were relied upon by water providers, consumers and governments alike.

 Left to right:  Jericho Water District Commissioner James Asmus; Oyster Bay Town Council member Vicki Walsh; Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca; Jericho Water District Commissioner Patricia Beckerle; Jericho Water District Board Chairman Commissioner Thomas Abbate; Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino; Mrs. Joan Bartilucci; Jericho Water District Superintendent Peter Logan; Nassau County Legislator Josh LaFazan (18thLegislative District).

Late NSWCA President and Jericho Water District Commissioner, Nicholas J. Bartilucci.

 

Commissioner Thomas A. Abbate, Chairman of the Board of the Jericho Water District, hosted the ceremony and JWD Superintendent Peter Logan spoke on behalf of the District and Commissioners James Asmus and Patricia Beckerle.

The Reverend Michael T. Maffeo, Pastor of St. Edward the Confessor Church (Syosset, NY) gave a blessing as new signage marking the event was unveiled. Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino spoke and presented a proclamation to Mrs. Joan Bartilucci which cited her and Mr. Bartilucci’s contributions to the Long Island community and beyond.

Father Mike Maffeo, Joan Bartilucci  and Jericho WD Superintendent, Peter Logan.

Nassau County Legislator Joshua Lafazan (18thLegislative District) presented a citation from the Nassau County Legislature to Joan Bartilucci in memory of Nicholas J. Bartilucci noting “service to the community, neighbors and families, and in recognition of your leadership to enriching the lives of others.”

Former NY State Senator Carl Marcellino, Oyster Bay Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh and Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca spoke, acknowledging the many contributions of Mr. Bartilucci during his long and storied career. Mr. Steven A. Fangmann, President of D&B Engineers and Architects, P.C., the Woodbury-based engineering firm founded by Mr. Bartilucci, presented a beautiful etched glass trophy award in the shape of a water droplet to mark the event.

50 Year DEC Timeline

The 50-year history of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) includes many impressive moments since its founding in 1970.  Click on the PDF to view the  highlights and environmental milestones.

View the PDF here.

West Hempstead Wins Diamond ACEC!

The West Hempstead Water District’s (WHWD) new elevated storage tank was submitted on behalf of H2M architects + engineers (H2M) to the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC New York) 2020 New York State Engineering Excellence Awards.  The project proudly received the highest honor of a Diamond Award!

ACEC New York is a proactive coalition of almost 300 firms representing every discipline of engineering related to the built environment – civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, environmental, geotechnical – and affiliated companies.  Their shared goals are to further the business interests of their membership, enhance the quality and safety of the environment we  live and work in, and help ensure the vitality of our communities.

Each year, over 60 member firms submit projects that are judged on a rigorous set of criteria, which includes complexity, innovation, and value to society.  These projects are judged by a panel of industry experts, which includes military and government officials, ACEC National and International leadership, educators from college and university departments, and leadership from other organizations dedicated to the built environment.  Awards are distributed based on the average scores received by these judges and are assigned one of four levels (in ascending order): Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.

To celebrate the awarded projects, the 53rd Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala will take place on April 4, 2020.

Paul Tonna Sworn In

On January 7, 2020 Commissioner Paul J. Tonna was sworn in to his 3-year term as Water Commissioner with the South Huntington Water District.

Commissioner Tonna, who  originally came to the South Huntington Water District board in 2006 and was re-elected to the position on December 10, 2019, began his new term on January 1, 2020. He will serve through December 31, 2022.

Congratulations, Commissioner Tonna.

Left to right: South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul J. Tonna and South Huntington Water District Commissioner Joseph Perry at swearing in ceremony.

Voters Elect Commissioners For 2020

Voters in Nassau and Suffolk Counties Elect 22 Water Commissioners.

Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) welcomes new and re-elected members.

Huntington Station, New York USA…..As a result of local elections, water commissioners have been elected by voters in 21 Long Island water districts. All elected commissioners will begin their three-year terms effective January 1, 2020.Long Island water commissioners who have been newly elected or re-elected by Long Island voters, are being welcomed as members of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA).

NSWCA President and Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III commented on the election results. “Once again, voters used the opportunity to cast their ballots for the men or women of their choice in meaningful local elections,” he said. “Since commissioners are elected, not appointed, and must reside in their respective districts, this is an excellent example of local control by each community at work. I am extremely pleased to welcome both our new and returning colleagues to NSWCA.”

The NSWCA congratulates and welcomes the following newly elected and re-elected commissioners:

  • Albertson Water District Commissioner Kenneth Vey
  • Bethpage Water District Commissioner Theresa M. Catapano-Black
  • Carle Place Water District Commissioner Tim Stellato
  • Cathedral Gardens Water District Commissioner Joseph Corino
  • Franklin Square Water District Commissioner Ralph Pugliese
  • Garden City Park Water District Commissioner Ken Borchers
  • Glenwood Water District Commissioner Peter A. Hesse
  • Greenlawn Water District Commissioner John McLaughlin
  • Hicksville Water District Commissioner Nicholas Brigandi
  • Jericho Water District Commissioner James Asmus
  • Locust Valley Water District Commissioner Peter Brown
  • Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna
  • Massapequa Water District Commissioner Michael E. Mazzola
  • Manhasset-Lakeville Water District Commissioner Steven Flynn
  • Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Michael F. Rich III
  • Plainview Water District Commissioner Amanda Field
  • Port Washington Water District Commissioner Mindy Germain
  • Roslyn Water District Commissioner Dr. Sanford Klein
  • South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Gary Brosnan
  • South Huntington Water District Commissioner Paul Tonna
  • West Hempstead Water District Commissioner C. John Sparacio
  • Westbury Water District Commissioner Barry Green