Category Archives: News

NSWCA Bartilucci Scholarship

The NSWCA Nicholas J. Bartilucci Scholarship:

Smart Thoughts For Smart Students.

Body: There is a $1,000 scholarship available for a worthy engineering student at Manhattan College. Sponsored by your District as a member of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA), the scholarship honors the late Nicholas J. Bartilucci. Mr. Bartilucci was not only a founding member and past President of the NSWCA, but a thought leader whose insights, experience and technical engineering expertise were highly valued throughout the industry.

The annual scholarship is open to entering freshmen enrolled full-time in any engineering degree program at Manhattan College. Emphasis is placed on academic credentials and extra curricular activities.

Potential applicants must reside in one of the 21 NSWCA memberwater districts (see http://www.nswcawater.com). The student awardee will be selected by the college upon verification of residency by the NSWCA.

To apply, please contact Mary Ellen Malone, Director of Planned Giving, at Manhattan College: 718-862-7976.

Mr. Nicholas Bartilucci

Senator Elaine Phillips Speaks at NSWCA Meeting

Left to right:
NSWCA 1st Vice President Michael F. Rich III (Oyster Bay Water District Commissioner).
NSWCA Treasurer Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. (Carle Place Water District Commissioner);
New York State Senator Elaine Phillips;
2nd Vice President William Schuckmann (Hicksville Water District Commissioner);
NSWCA Secretary Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., (West Hempstead Water District Commissioner.

Senator Elaine Phillips, New York State Senator from the 7^th Senate District, recently addressed the NSWCA with her thoughts and opinions on a variety of water-related topics. Speaking in front of a full house, she reiterated that ensuring that Long Island water resources remain safe for current residents and future generations is now, and has always been, a top priority of hers.

“I consider myself one of the most environmental Senators from New York, and environmentalism is part of my platform,” commented Senator Phillips. “Drinking water is a necessity, not a luxury.”

The Senator noted that 1,4-dioxane is at unprecedented levels across the country, and particularly right here on Long Island. She pointed out that there is state funding coming into Long Island, and that some Districts have already received funding for treatment in 2017.

Senator Phillips also touched on the reactivation of the Queens wells, noting that this presented a serious threat to Long Island’s aquifers, a threat that Long Islanders “should not and must not accept.” The wells, dormant for many years, pose threats to affect Long Island’s groundwater in unknown and potentially dangerous ways including allowing saltwater intrusion or diverting of underground toxic plumes.

Senator Phillips commented that she believed the most responsible course of action is to delay any re-permitting until the current groundwater study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in Nassau and Suffolk counties is completed. Only then can we be certain of the impacts that the re-opening of the Queens wells will have on our region’s groundwater.

Who’s The Best? 2018 Water Taste Contest!

It’s that time again!

AWWA Drinking Water Week* means Long Island’s contest to see who will take home the trophies for “Best Tasting Water” 2018 will soon be in full swing.

Last year the South Huntington Water District was judged the best in Suffolk County, and the Franklin Square Water District was the proud winner in Nassau County. Can they hold off all challengers and repeat? Find out by participating in the annual event.

Sponsored by the LI Water Conference, the Water Taste Contest will take place May 7th through May 10th at the Campus Center at SUNY Farmingdale. The LIWC Public Relations Committee needs the help of all its members to assist in manning the informational display booth. All NSWCA member Districts are encouraged to participate and to volunteer.

*For more than 40 years the American Water Works Association and its members have celebrated Drinking Water Week – a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to join together in recognizing the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Drinking Water Week is celebrated the first full week in May each year. Please join AWWA as we celebrate drinking water! This year the theme is “Protect the Source”.

NYS Comptroller DiNapoli Addresses Issues

Thomas DiNapoli

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association , as part of its ongoing Educational Training Series, recently held a training session with New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Mr. DiNapoli, a lifelong Long Islander and formerly NYS assemblyman from the 16^th District, has served as New York State Comptroller since 2007.

Mr. DiNapoli opened his presentation with a discussion of the mission of the NYS Comptroller’s Office, and outlined the steps to understanding the audit process. These ranged from initial research and information gathering to corrective action plans and field services surveys.

Comptroller DiNapoli zeroed in on current situations including drinking water systems in New York State, and particularly on Long Island. He discussed the challenges all water districts face with aging infrastructure, stating “greater demand, increasing water loss, potential water system contamination and the need for increased security are serious problems facing us today. It is simply not enough to talk about environmental issues,” Mr. DiNapoli remarked, to much audience applause. “We need more long range planning, and we must take a more aggressive approach by making more dollars available to handle infrastructure needs.” He cited Governor Cuomo’s support of the Clean Water Infrastructure Act with funding for an Environmental Protection Fund to help support municipalities with modernized, sustainable water systems.

NSWCA President and Westbury Water Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello commented, “Comptroller DiNapoli’s presence and presentation was truly informative and enlightening. By providing NSWCA Commissioners, superintendents, and staff with an in-depth look into the specifics of water system management and oversight from the New York State perspective, the training certainly clarified a number of essential points. With growing public recognition of the vital importance and challenges of managing water infrastructure for present day and future use, this informative meeting could not have been more timely.”

Michael F. Rich III 1st Vice President, and Oyster Bay Water District Water Commissioner, NYS Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Vincent Abbatiello NSWCA President and Westbury Water District Commissioner, Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. Treasurer, and Carle Place Water District Water Commissioner, William Schuckmann 2nd Vice President: and Hicksville Water District

Cybersecurity & Business Continuity Education

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting, the NSWCA received a thorough update on state of the art IT cybersecurity measures as they apply to the water supply industry and Long Island water suppliers.

Guest speakers Tim McKnight and James Tauer from Total Technology Solutions (Melville NY) addressed the commissioners. They explained that in 2018, “cyberthreats of all types have

become more rampant than ever before by an order of magnitude.” According to Mr. Tauer, “in today’s world, we are faced with a case of managing risk and staying a step ahead of those who seek to damage systems and interrupt operations. Leading cyberthreats to water districts run the gamut. They can include social engineering and insider threats, malware, phishing and ransomeware like the cryptolocker virus. All of these types of hacking attack cybersecurity and can take a communications network down, or paralyze it or ultimately destroy it.”

The Total team speaks from experience as it represents several NSWCA member water districts on Long Island.

“Cybercrime is the second most reported economic crime in the USA,” Mr. McKnight commented. “In fact, 95% of breached records come from three vital sectors: Government, retail and technology. It’s a dangerous world, but fortunately, more than 90% of breaches are preventable.”

Areas of greatest risk for water districts include unpatched systems, remote access, and poor or weak infrastructure. Lack of password and/or permission management, absence of written policies and little or no staff training make it far easier for hackers to do their nefarious deeds.

Mr. Tauer cited examples of cybercrimes against water providers across the country, and explained essential measures necessary to guard against them and to ensure business continuity. Total’s Layered Defense, he said, “is specifically designed to counter cybercrime. It is comprehensive, overlapping and intentionally redundant to provide the broadest and deepest threat protection. It starts with physical Water District site surveying and network assessment and includes vulnerability scanning and awareness training.”

Mr. Tauer also cited the example of Kemuri Water Company (not its real name due to sensitive nature of breach). Hackers manipulated the chemicals used to assure safe drinking water, and altered water flow rates causing serious disruptions to water distribution.

A spokesman for the NSWCA commented that “we greatly appreciate the in depth information provided by Mr. Tauer and Mr. McKnight. Water Districts are highly visible cyber targets because of the essential services we provide. Cyber awareness training is vitally important to help maintain an uninterrupted supply of the highest quality water which is the responsibility of every one of the NSWCA member Districts.”

2018 NSWCA Board Elected

LI Water Commissioners Elected toNassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) 2018 Board

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting sponsored by the West Hempstead Water District, the Association elected a new board for the 2018 term, which runs through December 31, 2018.

The newly elected NSWCA 2018 Board includes incoming President Vincent Abbatiello of the Westbury Water District who succeeds outgoing NSWCA President Andrew N. Bader of the Plainview Water District; 1st Vice President Michael F. Rich III of the Oyster Bay Water District; 2^ndVice President William Schuckmann of the Hicksville Water District; Secretary Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr. of the West Hempstead Water District; and Treasurer Lawrence F. Zaino Jr. of the Carle Place Water District.

Left to right: Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr., William Schuckmann, Vincent Abbatiello, Lawrence F. Zaino J., Michael F. Rich II.

“Long Islanders have one of the world’s greatest fresh water resources right below their feet.” President Abbatiello remarked at the election ceremony.

“Such aquifers are extremely rare and ours, which provides plentiful quantity as well as superior quality, receives constant professional oversight to provide for present needs, and to ensure the future. As stewards of this great system, NSWCA members are closer to the water than any other group, and we are firmly dedicated to the conservation and sustainability of our water supply on a 24/7/365 basis. Our commissioners and the unified body that the NSWCA constitutes, are pledged to continue to apply science, be compliant with all federal, state and local regulations, and to continually educate our staff and the public regarding conservation and sustainability.”

Honoring Michelle Schimel

The membership of the NSWCA recently had the pleasure of being addressed by Michelle E. Schimel, former member of the New York State Assembly. Ms. Schimel represented the 16th Assembly District in Nassau County from 2007 to 2016. At the conclusion of her entertaining talk, NSWCA President and Plainview Water Commissioner Andrew Bader presented Ms. Schimel with a commemorative plaque.

Bader Schimel DSC_0119

“Few are as deserving of this recognition as Michelle Schimel,” President Bader acknowledged. “Her unwavering support, advocacy and promotion of our shared goals of greater sustainability and maintenance of the highest standards of water quality have been well documented through the years. This plaque is but a small token of gratitude from all twenty-one commissioner-elected NSWCA member water districts for all her efforts on our behalf, and on behalf of the people of Long Island.”

Boardw with Michelle Schimel DSC_0108

Caption Photo top: NSWCA President Andrew N. Bader and honoree Michelle E. Schimel.

Caption Photo bottom left to right: Commissioner Kenneth P. Wenthen, Jr; Commissioner Vincent Abbatiello; Former member of the New York State Assembly Michelle E. Schimel; Commissioner and NSCWA President Andrew N. Bader; Commissioner William Schuckmann; Commissioner Michael F. Rich III.

Drinking Water Symposium

The 10.19.17 LIWC Drinking water Symposium had it all— interesting speakers, provocative topics and the warm camaraderie of the industry. NSWCA members Districts represented a good percentage of the crowd.

LIWC Chairman Stan Carey opened the Symposium and welcomed all the attendees and presenters. Port Washington WD Superintendent Paul Granger (Bolstering LI’s Water Infrastructure) and SCWA Lead Hydrologist Ty Fuller (Sustaining Our Aquifer) led panel discussions. The keynote address was given by Dr. Javier Laureano,EPA Region 2 Director, Clean Water Division.

Jericho Water District Director of Water Conservation Jane Barbato, speaking on Panel 2, gave a resounding presentation that concluded with a call for people to “view water as the truly invaluable resource it is” and to create a priority shift with a broader vision that “goes beyond the confines of a desire for the ultimate green lawn.”

DSC_0565 Jane Pete JWD

NSWCA President and Plainview Water Commissioner Andy Bader delivered the closing address to appreciative response.

Andy Bader at LIWC Water Quality Symposium

New Board Announced for 2017

LI Water Commissioners Elected to Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) 2017 Board

At a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association (NSWCA) meeting sponsored by the Jericho Water District, the Association elected a new board for the 2017 term, which runs through December 31, 2017. Commissioners Anthony J. Cincotta, Thomas A. Abbate and James Asmus represented the Jericho Water District along with Superintendent Peter F. Logan.

The newly elected NSWCA 2017 board includes: New President Andrew N. Bader of Plainview Water District, who succeeds outgoing President Raymond J. Averna of the Massapequa Water District; 1st Vice President Vincent Abbatiello of the Westbury Water District; 2nd Vice President Michael F. Rich III of Oyster Bay Water District; Secretary William Schuckmann of Hicksville Water District, and Treasurer Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr. of the West Hempstead Water District.

“Residents of Long Island have one of the greatest and most unique aquifer systems in the world, and the NSWCA is dedicated to preserving, conserving and utilizing it for the benefit of all communities.” President Bader stated. “Sustainability of this greatest natural resource will continue to be a top priority of the NSWCA in 2017. We intend to continue to reach out and, in some cases expand our reach, by educating the public regarding sustainability, conservation, water quality and water production. As always, our efforts will include scientific-based learning and full observance of all regulations for total governmental compliance.”

Left to Right: Treasurer Kenneth P. Wenthen Jr. of West Hempstead Water District; 2nd Vice President Michael F. Rich III of Oyster Bay Water District; New President Andrew Bader of Plainview Water District, who succeeds outgoing President Raymond J. Averna of Massapequa Water District; 1st Vice President Vincent Abbatiello of Westbury Water District; Secretary William Schuckmann of Hicksville Water District.

NSWCA Welcomes New Commissioners

Albertson, NY USA………….December 19, 2016  The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners¹ Association (NSWCA) welcomed newly elected and re-elected water commissioners representing 21 Long Island water districts following the recent annual water district elections. The three-year terms of office for elected commissioners run from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019.

NSWCA President and Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna commented, “It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the elected commissioners and welcome both new and returning colleagues to the NSWCA. Commissioner-run water districts give residents of Nassau and Suffolk a voice about our vital water supply on the most local of all levels in each community. Long Island residents have expressed their preferences and opinions through the voting process and have selected the candidates of their choice. On this hyper-local community level, every vote truly counts. It is refreshing to see grass roots democracy in action.”

nswca_collage-e1482858090492

Above, top row, left to right: Newly elected or re-elected Commissioners Asmus, Hesse, Borchers, Johansen, Klein, Rich, Pugliese, Jones

Above, bottom row, left to right: Commissioners Averna, Tonna, Sparacio, Vey, Brosnan, Germain, Brigandi, McLaughlin.

Commissioners Raymond Averna, Gary Brosnan, Ralph Pugliese and Timothy Stellato have served as NSWCA Presidents.

Full list of Commissioners below.

………………………………………………………………………

Albertson Water District: Kenneth Vey

Bethpage Water District: Theresa Black

Carle Place Water District: Timothy E. Stellato

Cathedral Gardens Water District: Joseph Corino

Franklin Square Water District: Ralph D. Pugliese

Garden City Park Water District: Kenneth Borchers

Glenwood Water District: Peter A. Hesse

Greenlawn Water District: John T. McLaughlin

Hicksville Water District: Nicholas J. Brigandi

Jericho Water District: James Asmus

Locust Valley Water District: Anker Johansen

Manhasset-Lakeville Water District: Steven Flynn

Massapequa Water District: Raymond J. Averna

Oyster Bay Water District: Michael F. Rich, III

Plainview Water District: Amanda Field

Port Washington Water District: Mindy Germain

Roslyn Water District: Dr. Sanford E. Klein

South Farmingdale Water District: Gary Brosnan

South Huntington Water District: Paul Tonna

West Hempstead Water District: C. John Sparacio

Westbury Water District: Kenneth O. Jones

Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association