Category Archives: News

Passing of Peter A. Hesse of the Glenwood Water District

It is with great sadness that we share that Glenwood Water District Commissioner Peter A. Hesse passed away on Feb. 3, 2025.

Peter has been Commissioner with Glenwood Water District since 1969. Living right next door to the water district, a neighbor asked him if he was interested in becoming a commissioner … Peter garnered the required signatures and served ever since. During that time, he was a wealth of knowledge for all – knowing about any main breaks, water services, valves, hydrant issues and much more.  He helped everyone and was loved by all.

Throughout his career, Peter worked at LILCO, working his way up the ranks to a managerial position and retiring approximately 20+ years ago. Peter also worked as the Village Clerk at The Village of Sea Cliff for approximately six years. He was also an Honorary Member of The Glenwood Fire Department.

Peter passed away a day shy of his 83rd birthday. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen, their three daughters Robin, Barbara and Tarra, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Answering the Call from the Environmental Protection Agency

NSWCA Hosts ‘Lead/Copper Ruling Compliance Forum’ Presented by D&B Engineers and Architects

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) recently hosted a Lead/Copper Ruling Compliance Forum regarding the latest ruling issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). A thorough presentation was made by subject matter expert Anthony Eagan, P.E. of D&B Engineers and Architects, which included a step-by-step process of how water service suppliers such as the 21 Commission-Elected Districts must comply with the latest ruling from the national agency.

During the past few months, residents and commercial owners across Long Island may have received a letter from their local water service provider indicating if the water lines located in their homes or businesses are made of lead, galvanized steel, or non-lead materials. A national ruling was issued by the EPA for all water service providers across the country to take full inventory of water service lines in an effort to remove any possible lead from drinking water. The extensive EPA ruling overview delivered by Mr. Eagan included guidance, direction, and recommendations for Districts to prepare and deliver communications to customers of the inventory that was taken during a mandated three-year period.

“All of our member Districts are committed to supplying clean water that meets or exceeds all local, state, and federal guidelines for safe drinking water. Mr. Eagan did a tremendous job breaking down what’s necessary for water service providers such as ourselves to communicate this important information to our respective customers,” commented NSWCA President and South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Ralph Atoria. “We are thankful to Mr. Eagan for sharing his expertise and guidance. I’m pleased to report that all 21 Commissioner-Elected Districts have complied with the latest ruling from the EPA, and each District will speak directly with its customers if lead service lines were identified in their homes, and the steps that need to be taken to change them out in the future.”

New Board Elected & Former President Honored

1st Vice President Michael E. Mazzola presented Commissioner Atoria the award.

At a recent meeting of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), the association elected a new board and board president to serve through 2025.

The newly elected 2025 NSWCA board includes President John F. Coumatos of the Bethpage Water District; 1st Vice President Michael Mazzola of the Massapequa Water District; 2nd Vice President Joseph Perry of the South Huntington Water District; Treasurer Michael J. Kosinski of the Roslyn Water District; and Secretary Scott Greco of the Bethpage Water District.

President Coumatos recognized 2024 NSWCA president and current South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Ralph Atoria by stating, “As a long-standing member and true leader in the water industry, Commissioner Atoria has steered our 21-member districts in a positive direction throughout his board tenure. We’re grateful to have had Commissioner Atoria at the helm of our association, and we thank him for his service.”

 

NSWCA Hosts Cybersecurity Presentation

Within a world of technological advancement, cyberattacks pose a legitimate risk, no matter the business or organization. At a recent meeting of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) the Commissioners received an overview and sat through a training on the state of cybersecurity for critical infrastructure from Overview Technology Solutions.

The 21 commissioner-elected Districts go through routine trainings to stay up to date on all matters related to water. Water service providers are responsible not only to deliver drinking water that meets all local, state and federal standards, but to safeguard its technology, internal systems and consumer information from potential cyberattacks.

Marc P. Menzies, CISSP, President and Chief Technology Officer from Overview Technology Solutions, reviewed current events and potential threats to water districts with the commissioners, and reinforced the importance of training and having an incident response plan in place.

“All water districts utilizing many forms of technology, as well as web- and app-based programs, and cybersecurity is always a top concern for each District. Information like this is invaluable and we’ll continue to be ahead of the bad actors and protect our technology infrastructure,” commented NSWCA President and South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Ralph Atoria. “We take pride in bringing proactive guidance to our membership and we are thankful to Mr. Menzies for sharing his expertise.”

NSWCA Welcomes Voter-Elected Water Commissioners

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, 2025 to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA Past-President and current South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner Ralph Atoria 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. Newly-elected NSWCA President John Coumatos, who serves as Chairman of the Board for the Bethpage Water District 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:

  • Emmanoyil Vlepakis, Albertson Water District                Re-elected
  • John F. Coumatos, Bethpage Water District                     Re-elected
  • John Morrison, Carle Place Water District                          Newly Elected
  • Glenn Barnett, Cathedral Gardens Water District          Re-elected                           ­
  • James Spanopoulos, Franklin Square Water District Newly Elected
  • Alan Cooper, Garden City Park Water                                  Re-elected
  • Bernard McCabe, Glenwood Water District                       Re-elected
  • James Logan, Greenlawn Water District                             Re-elected
  • Karl M. Schweitzer, Hicksville Water District                    Re-elected
  • Thomas Abbate, Jericho Water District                               Re-elected
  • Charles Savinetti, Jr., Locust Valley Water District        Re-elected
  • Brian Morris, Manhasset-Lakeville Water District          Re-elected
  • Michael E. Mazzola, Massapequa Water District            Re-elected
  • Richard P. Niznik, Oyster Bay Water District                     Re-elected
  • Andrew N. Bader, Plainview Water District                        Re-elected
  • David Brackett, Port Washington Water District             Re-elected
  • Michael Kosinski, Roslyn Water District                              Re-elected
  • John Hirt, South Farmingdale Water District                     Re-elected
  • Joseph Perry, South Huntington Water District                Re-elected
  • Carl Kolansky, West Hempstead Water District               Newly Elected
  • Rodney Caines, Westbury Water District                           Re-elected

NSWCA Awards $1,000 Scholarship to College Student

At its April membership meeting, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association presented a $1,000 scholarship to college freshman Charlee Muller.

The Nicholas Bartilucci Memorial Scholarship is given annually from NSWCA to a first-year student from Manhattan College in honor of former Commissioner Bartilucci who served for 48 years. Charlee was chosen based on her interest in pursuing a career in environmental engineering. She is currently majoring in civil/environmental engineering and minoring in mathematics.

“It is a privilege to present this scholarship in honor of Nicholas Bartilucci to Charlee, who is a budding environmental engineer who will continue to pursue our mission of promoting environmental excellence for the next generation,” said NSWCA President Ralph Atoria from the South Farmingdale Water District. “I wish her all the best as she continues her academic practices to the path of pursing her dream of becoming an environmental engineer.”

The Commissioners from Charlee’s respective home district of South Farmingdale Water formally presented her with the scholarship check at the April 15 membership meeting held at Palmer’s American Grille in Farmingdale.

NSWCA Hosts Presentation on Benefits of Solar Energy

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.”

Training on Benefits of Drone Surveillance

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.”

NSWCA Elects New 2024 Board

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