Category Archives: News

NSWCA Welcomes Voter-Elected Water Commissioners

2023 Re-elected and Newly elected Commissioners

Carle Place, New York, USA – 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, 2023 to begin their three-year term. Each local water district is comprised of three commissioners on each board.

NSWCA President and Locust Valley Water District Chairwomen Patricia Peterson commented on the election results, “Local voters came out to cast their ballet in meaningful elections for the men and women of their choice who harness the responsibility of safeguarding our water today, and into the future. This process is a sterling example of local representation by and for each community as water commissioners and voters must reside within their respective district.”

Voter-elected, commissioner-run districts (21 in total) provide water to over 620,000 consumers in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Peterson 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:

 

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

Passing of Past Supt. Richard “Woody” Woodwell of the Hicksville Water District

NSWCA Members ~

It is with sadness that we report that former Superintendent Richard “Woody” Woodwell has passed away. Arrangements are pending at this time.

Woody served the Hicksville Water District for over 50 years, starting in 1947 as a laborer at the height of the expansion of the Hicksville community. He worked his way through the ranks becoming a meter reader, water servicemen and water plant operator before serving as Hicksville Water District Superintendent from 1983 to 1998.

Woody was a Korean War veteran and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was also a member of the Long Island Water Conference and the American Water Works Association. Woody lived in Syosset and is survived by his son Justin.

Can Spring Be Far Off?

Despite some of the the coldest temperatures seen on Long Island for many years, Spring, 2023 is fast approaching. One sign of spring is Major League Baseball spring training  getting under way over the next week or so. With the advent of spring and warmer weather, conservation of water, Earth’s greatest natural resource, takes on a great priority.  Here are some very important conservation tips to observe:

  1. Check all outside hoses and connections against leaks and winter’s ravages.
  2. Planting your garden to start the season?  Start off right. There are many beautiful groundcovers that require less watering including lavender, daylilies, forget-me-nots, aloes, marigolds, and zinnias.
  3. Avoid wasting water by installing a spring-loaded shutoff nozzle on each garden hose to avoid water waste.
  4. When sprinkling your grass and flower or vegetable beds, try to avoid watering the driveways and sidewalks.
  5. Water retention in your garden is enhanced by compost, not to mention a wealth of nutrients.  Start a compost pile and add it to your garden.  Mix in some along wood chips or peat moss and your water retention will be boosted.
  6. A slow-drip irrigation system will help avoid over-watering, and also save money on your water bill.
  7. Watering lawns and gardens at the most opportune times conserves our precious resource. Water generally evaporates most rapidly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.  Restrict watering to before or after those times and you’ll likely use less.
  8. Most people overwater lawns.  Keeping the length of your lawn approximately 2 inches long.  This will help reduce evaporation and require less water.
  9. Cycle watering in areas where runoff occurs, especially on slopes or compacted dry soils.
  10. Hate raking?  When you’re finished mowing, leave the grass clippings on the lawn. This will boost water retention and help grass grow thicker.

Services For Ernestine Falco

The NSWCA has learned of the passing of Ernestine Falco, wife of former Commissioner Lenny Falco, Sr. of the Franklin Square Water District.

Arrangements:

Franklin Square Funeral Home, 42 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY

  • Thursday, December 1, 2022,  7:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm
  • Friday, December 2, 2022,        4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Mass:   St. Catherine of Sienna

9:30 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, 33 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY

Services for Cameron “Cami” McLaughlin

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Cameron “Cami” McLaughlin, wife of Greenlawn Water Commissioner John McLaughlin. The NSWCA extends condolences to the McLaughlin family.

Arrangements are  Wednesday, November 16, 2022 as follows:

Nolan’s Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport NY 11768 (631) 754-2400

  • 2:00 – 5:00
  • 7:00 – 9:00

 

In Cami’s memory, donations to Huntington’s Disease Society of America, HDSA.org, would be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Financing Water Projects

Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Robert McEvoy

Each month, the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) provides information through its Educational Speaker Series and Training Programs. At a recent meeting, Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner and former NSWCA President Robert McEvoy provided an in-depth look into financing water projects by going to bond through local townships. Mr. McEvoy brings over 35 years of public service experience to the fold and is the current Comptroller for the Town of Oyster Bay.

The presentation addressed many topics including how to initiate a project and develop a timeline, town board requirements, engaging engineers for specifications and conclusions…to SEQRA hearings and determinations, public hearings and bond resolution.

“There are many steps within the process to secure bonding,” commented Commissioner McEvoy. “Larger projects may require planning and development, while other projects have a more seamless and less intrusive approach. The bottom line is to create a calculated plan, ensure all steps are covered, document everything, and create a compelling presentation with all benefits associated at the public hearing.”

“Voter-Elected Commissioners have a profound responsibility to the residents we serve within our respective Districts. We continually maintain our technology and are constructing advanced treatment systems to deliver an uninterrupted supply of quality water,” stated NSWCA President and Locust Valley Water District Commissioner and Chairperson Patricia Peterson. “By going to bond, we are able to secure funding at very affordable rates to lessen the burden on our rate payers. As Commissioners, we are fiscally prudent, and securing grant dollars also helps to pay down the bonds in shorter time.”

President Peterson added, “We are grateful to have Commissioner McEvoy sit as our Committee Chair for Government Relations and Auditing. His continual education on this topic is extremely important given the current climate on Long Island and New York State regarding regulation and compliance. We are thankful for his experience and to provide guidance for all District Commissioners.”

Commissioner Augie Carnevale 1959-2022

The passing of Commissioner Carnevale

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) extends its deepest sympathies to the family, friends and professional associates of former water commissioner Augustine Paul “Augie” Carnevale, 1959-2022. Augie proudly served the residents of the Garden City Park Water District and was a member of the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) and the NSWCA. He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at the Park Funeral Chapel:

Park Funeral Chapel, 2175 Jericho Turnpike, Garden City Park, New York,

Friday, May 6, 2022

  • 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm

 

 Mass Saturday, May 7, 2022

10:30 am

Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church, 45 Mayfair Road, New Hyde Park, New York

 

Final Resting Place, Saturday, May 7, 2022

11:45 am

Cemetery Of The Holy Rood, 111 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York

Commissioner Intagliata Passes

Long time Franklin Square Water Commissioner Salvatore A. Intagliata passed away on April 27, 2022.  A true gentleman with a deep concern for family and community, Sal was  a member of the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) and the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA). The NSWCA sends its deepest sympathies to Sal’s  family, friends and professional associates.  He will be greatly missed.

Visitation will be held at The Franklin Funeral Home:

Franklin Funeral Home
42 New Hyde Park Road
Franklin Square, NY 11010

Monday May 2, 2022
2:00pm – 4:00pm
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Mass Tuesday May 3, 2022
10:30am
St Catherine of Sienna Church, Franklin Square

Interment 

St. Charles Cemetery
2105 Wellwood Avenue
Farmingdale, NY 11735

 

Tips to Reduce Water Consumption

During Spring and Summer

Photo Credit: Hunter Industries

As National Drinking Water Week (May 1 – May 7) reminded us, fresh potable water is Earth’s most valuable resource. The necessity to deliver clean water and to protect Long Island’s aquifer system is of utmost importance.

Here are 10 ways to reduce water consumption, especially during the summer months when lawn and landscape irrigation doubles…even triples!  Water conservation protects the environment, preserves existing resources, and will save you money on your water bill.

  1. Most lawns only need 1 to 2 inches of water per week. Water early in the morning when evaporation loss is minimal.
  2. Observe proper watering days: Odd-numbered homes water on odd-numbered days, even-numbered homes water on even-numbered days.
  3. Monitor potential water leaks by checking hose connections, inspecting washers and repairing leaky exterior spigots.
  4. Create your own water supply to water flowers and gardens by collecting rain runoff in rain barrels. A rain barrel is a project you can tackle yourself.
  5. Make sure soil is absorbing water and not permitting runoff. Many soil types don’t absorb large amounts of water easily. Use short, repeated watering cycles to deliver water at a rate soil can absorb.
  6. Promote growth and use less water with irrigation furrows alongside plants and flowers. Mound soil to form a water collection basin around plants and shrubs.
  7. Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to planting beds to slow water evaporation from soil. Mulch also helps suppress weeds.
  8. Check underground sprinklers, pools and spas, and repair any leaks immediately..
  9. Help lawns absorb water efficiently by limiting thatch and aerating on a regular basis. Mowing at the proper height for summer growing conditions reduces a lawn’s water needs.
  10. Check your lawn irrigation system to make sure it’s working properly.  When running a sprinkler, set a timer to ensure you don’t forget to turn the water off.

Commissioner Robert J. McEvoy Elected LIWC Secretary

Robert J. McEvoy, Commissioner and Chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District, has been elected Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Long Island Water Conference.

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). He adds this new responsibility to a distinguished career of public service that includes 35 years at the Town of Oyster Bay with five years as the Town’s comptroller.

Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner Robert McEvoy

“After nearly twenty years of performing my civic duty within the water service industry, it’s an honor to be elected to the Long Island Water Conference Board of Directors,” said the new LIWC Secretary. “I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and water providers across the Island to keep our precious drinking water safe, reliable and plentiful.”

Mr. McEvoy is also currently the Treasurer for New York 811, Inc. and an active member at 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.

Best of luck Bob!