~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.”