Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) meeting are: Massapequa Water District Commissioners and NSWCA members Raymond Averna and Joseph Tricarico; Albertson Water Commissioner and NSWCA 1st Vice President Howard Abbondondelo; NSWCA Guest Speaker, Nassau County Legislator Michael Venditto; South Farmingdale Water District Commissioner and NSWCA President Gary Brosnan; and Massapequa Water District Commissioner and NSWCA Secretary Thomas Hand.

Michael Venditto, Nassau County Legislator of the 12^th District covering Massapequa and Farmingdale, was recently guest speaker at Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ (NSWCA) September meeting.  Representing Nassau County’s Boards of Public Works, Public Safety, Health & Social Services, and Finance, as well as the County’s Planning, Development & Environment Committee, Legislator Venditto’s participation at the meeting is part of an ongoing communication effort that he believes is “essential in providing the best level of service to the public for our key natural resource.”

Since taking office after being unanimously elected to fill the seat of late County Legislator Peter Schmitt in October 2012, Legislator Venditto, son of Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto, has devoted special focus on storm recovery.  During his NSWCA address, he shared with NSWCA members the public’s praise and “rave reviews” for Long Island water commissioners’ stellar emergency response, which involved no interruption of service at any time during and in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Pointing out the public’s growing concern about Long Island’s water supply, Legislator Venditto discussed how and why continuing communication between commissioner-run districts and regulatory bodies remains a vital part of the ongoing strategies needed to “continually provide the public with the best quality water and utility service possible.”  He also spoke enthusiastically about working with the water commissioners to further their continuing efforts in water conservation and heralded local control as “a system that works, and a system that must prevail.”

NSWCA President Gary Brosnan of South Farmingdale Water District stated, “Water is our most essential utility, and we must work together to protect it island-wide. The issues we are facing today and will face tomorrow will require close cooperation, clear communication and combined resolve.  Legislator Michael Venditto has reaffirmed our Water Districts’ government support channels and helped revitalize communications between local commissioners and their county legislators.”

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association is comprised of water commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County water districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact NSWCA President Gary Brosnan via phone, 516 249-3330, or email, gary@sfwater.com.

For information regarding your district’s water commissioners, please contact Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. via phone, 631-756-7160, or email jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com.

Agency Contact Information:  Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc.; phone 631-756-7160; email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

# # #

Calls for regional approach with experienced water professionals

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) recently met to discuss pending legislation about Long Island aquifers and the regional water landscape of the future.

Mr. Dennis Kelleher, President of H2M Architects + Engineers (Melville), a leading engineering and environmental firm, spoke about several resolutions recently introduced in both the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures, to create a regional management commission.

Mr. Kelleher noted, “Both counties utilize a sole source aquifer.  Long Island needs to take a regional approach to our future based on scientific fact, not politics.  Our aquifer is vast, but it is threatened in numerous areas. For example, not every water supplier has salt water intrusion, but as a region, we have to consider that as well as plume monitoring, water table levels and other vital issues, island-wide.”

Mr. Kelleher explained that the proposed resolutions would include creation of a Long Island Aquifer Commission.  He led a lively discussion regarding the proposed number of members on the commission, who would appoint those members and the necessity for industry credentials. “We must get all parties to appreciate the importance of this aquifer, understand the daily needs of Long Islanders, and elevate the value of water in the public’s mind.”

NSWCA President Gary Brosnan asserted “As the stewards closest to water production, safety, and environmental and conservation issues, the NSWCA endorses the creation of a Long Island Aquifer Commission. We believe it can be especially effective if the committee includes experienced, qualified representation with first hand knowledge of the drinking water issues that affect nearly 3 million Long Island residents.

Brosnan added, “The NSWCA wants to continue to ensure that besides maintaining the highest possible levels of quality, our water remains the least expensive of all utilities.”

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Gary Brosnan: (516) 249-3330 or email: gary@sfwater.com

For information regarding your district’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at (631) 756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: (631) 756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

In the recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) meeting, sponsored by the Garden City Park Water District, newly elected President, Gary Brosnan honored outgoing President Robert McEvoy.

Robert McEvoy received an honorary plaque in recognition and appreciation of his 2012 term as President of the NSWCA.  During his tenure Mr. McEvoy led the association in partnering with Nassau County to bring the U.S. Geological Survey monitoring back to the Water Districts of Nassau.  He also spearheaded several of the association’s educational seminars on best practices in open government and financial accountability, and he worked closely with providers in both Nassau and Suffolk on protection programs for Long Island’s aquifers.

Mr. McEvoy continues as Chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District and as a valued member of NSWCA.  He is also Oyster Bay Town Comptroller and a professor of economics at C.W. Post, Long Island University.

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association
The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Gary Brosnan: email: gary@sfwater.com

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

For information regarding your district’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

This spring, a month-long dedication to water as Earth’s greatest natural resource is in full swing, and the NSWCA is supporting preservation, conservation and educational efforts in a big way.

The United States’ water is considered the safest drinking water in the world [1].  New York State’s on-tap water supply is renowned for its healthy, high quality, and great tasting water [2].  And on Long Island, the drinking water is regarded as one of the nation’s best supplies.

Throughout April and May, the NSWCA is involved with a number of activities intended to educate and facilitate efforts in preserving and supplying water to our communities.

Beginning April 16, NSWCA commissioners and superintendents attended the New York Water Event and Expo 2013, in Saratoga Springs, NY.  The theme, “Our Aging Infrastructure,” covered the numerous challenges that water systems are facing.  The challenges include water quality and system management, distribution systems, operator training, storm water management and more.  Hot news topics such as Hydrofracking and emergency response groundwater issues received special attention.  In addition, NSWCA commissioners learned of new technologies and solutions from guest speakers and commissioners from other districts throughout the state.

“The New York Water Event and Expo is the largest conference devoted to drinking water in New York State.” Mr. Gary Brosnan, President of NSWCA observed. “It’s a valuable opportunity for NSWCA member Districts to learn about the latest technologies and advancements concerning water.  The demonstrations, seminars and exhibits foster opportunities to learn from each other and to gain awareness of practices that have been tried and tested.”

The focus on drinking water continued May 5^th through 11^th, with the observance of the United States’ 25^th annual Drinking Water Week. The event was first declared in a Joint Congregational Resolution signed by President Ronald Regan and supported by the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

During Drinking Water Week water utilities, environmental and other pubic organizations work to center the public’s focus on water as a vital resource.  Activities throughout the week include public education on the sustainability and potential future challenges of our water supply.  As part of water observance, NSWCA member Districts have different activities planned, from water tasting competitions to school assemblies.

“Awareness through education at every level in the community helps preserve the quality, availability and sustainability of our drinking water now and into the future,” commented Mr. Nicholas Bartilucci, Jericho Water Commissioner.

Continuing education, collaboration, and best practices are something NSWCA members strive to continually improve upon throughout the year.  The nation and state’s springtime efforts help focus on this vital resource.

“Water is our most essential resource, and all too often it is taken for granted,” Mr. Howard Abbondondelo, Commissioner of Albertson Water District said.  “National Water Week and activities throughout this month help bring focus to Long Island’s conservation efforts and water supply.”

About Nassau-Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts.  NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts.  As part of its mission, the association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations and issues germane to water utilities.

[1] US Environmental Protection Agency. Drinking water and health: what you need to know. Washington, DC: US Environmental Protection Agency; 2009. Available at http://water.epa.gov/drink/guide/upload/book_waterontap_full.pdf .

[2] NYC.Gov.  NYC Water on the Go.  2013, The City of New York.  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/drinking_water/wotg.shtml

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Gary Brosnan: 516 249-3330 or email: gary@sfwater.com

For information regarding your District’s Water Commissioners, please contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

# # #

Following the wake of Hurricane Sandy, a full‐scale assessment of Long Island’s utility resources and management of these resources is still in progress. Lack of adequate preparation and/or leadership caused failures in nearly every major utility from power…to gas…to communications, but there were no failures and/or interruption of service among Long Island’s 21 commissioner‐run water districts.

In a recent meeting of the Nassau‐Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA), held in Hicksville, New York, Robert McEvoy, President of NSWCA commented, “I’m proud to announce that we (locally run water districts) were the only major utility on Long Island that did not fail to service during Superstorm Sandy.”

This was not by accident. Diligent preparations and plans put in place throughout each of the NSCWA’s districts ensure that all consumers have clean, safe water during and after any major crisis situation.

Each district was ready for the storm with practiced emergency planning and protocols in place, supervised by district water commissioners and superintendents. Crews worked around the clock to ensure that the distribution systems were fully operational, backup diesel powered pumps and generators were tested and additional fuel supply stocked. During and after the storm, wells were carefully monitored to ensure the delivery of clean and sustainable water throughout each district.

NSWCA represents locally run water districts where the water resource is managed and run by commissioners who live within the district. “As members of the community, our response and the priorities of our response are to address the needs of our community firsthand,” stated Gary Brosnan, South Farmingdale Water Commissioner.

Water remains one of Long Island’s least expensive utilities with commissioner‐run districts diligently working to protect and to conserve this resource at an affordable cost. While consolidation continues to threaten the autonomy of locally‐run resources, Hurricane Sandy represented an excellent example of preparedness, response and the ultimate success that comes from community‐based leadership.

About Nassau‐Suffolk Water Commissioners Association
The NSWCA is comprised of Water Commissioners from 21 Nassau County and Suffolk County Water Districts. NSWCA is dedicated to communication, efficiency and best practices among Long Island’s water districts. As part of its mission, the Association holds monthly educational meetings sponsoring experts on topics that include law, cost efficiencies, rules and regulations as well as issues germane to water utilities.

For further information, please contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President Mr. Robert McEvoy: (516) 322‐3168 or email: nswca@aol.com

Agency Contact Information: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc.: (631) 756‐7160 or email: jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

A recent report from the Atlanta-based Weather Channel suggested that the public water in Nassau County was unsafe to drink due to salt water intrusion because of the recent storm.  These reports pertain to two isolated areas and not the County as a whole.  Contrary to this report, all member Districts of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association had been delivering plentiful, potable, and safe water for its consumers, during and after the storm.  The Commissioners from each of these Districts are happy to report that there have been no interruptions in water supply as a result of Hurricane Sandy and no boil water advisories were necessary.

“Due to diligent preparations, each District did a tremendous job ensuring that the public would have clean and safe water to drink during and after the massive storm that hit our region,” said Robert McEvoy, President of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association.  “Emergency planning and protocols are always in place to ensure that our distribution systems are fully operational, and many crews worked around the clock to make certain that our drinking water is safe for our communities.”

Although power outages impacted several plants and facilities, a series of emergency backup generators and diesel-powered pumps kept District water supplies pumping on a normal schedule.  As a result, there were no reports of water loss.  A portion of the pump stations were switched to generator power or diesel-powered pumps since the beginning of the storm.

For further information about this erroneous report, pleased contact the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President: Mr. Robert McEvoy: 516-322-3168, or email: rmcevoy@oysterbay-ny.gov

Agency Contact Information:  Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: 631-756-7160.  jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com

The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) welcomed Mr. Ron Busciolano of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) at its September meeting.  Mr. Busciolano, a Hydrogeologic Supervisor, studies the distribution and movement of groundwater in the soil and rocks of the Earth’s crust.  His presentation was part of the NSWCA’s Continuing Education Program, and the data available to NSWCA Water Districts through the USGS is an important part of water management on Long Island.

The overall mission of the USGS is to contribute scientific data and strategies that address the impact of growing population on natural and critical resources. These efforts provide Water Commissioners and decision makers with scientific information to help minimize negative effects of an expanding society on water resources.

As Supervisor of Hydrogeology, Mr. Busciolano discussed the USGS’s annual synoptic survey.  It includes data collected from over 600 well sites and 40 streams and lakes.  Each site represents a snapshot of the hydrogeological landscape and helps the USGS create a water map of the area.

“Long Island has a particularly unique geological situation,” Mr. Busciolano stated, “as virtually all the water comes from underlying aquifers.  These aquifers are sometimes called upon to supply more than 400 million gallons of groundwater in any given day for public, domestic, industrial and irrigation uses.”

Shifts in usage can change the flow of water, drawing it from new directions.  “A negative result may include seawater intrusion and/or contamination of the deeper level aquifers,” Mr. Busciolano continued. “Data on shifts in water movement and nitrate depths are imperative to the proper management of our water resources.”

The USGS map provides a deep and clear understanding of water status. “Such mapping helps keep local water districts abreast of regional and local conditions and trends,” said Robert McEvoy, President of NSWCA. “It is an excellent informational source and assists water districts in decision making.”

The USGS is funded locally with matching Federal Government aid. The next survey is scheduled to begin October 1, 2012.  The data gathered by the USGS is used by NSWCA and is also available to the public at http://ny.water.usgs.gov

Mr. Busciolano’s presentation is another part of the NSWCA’s ongoing effort to utilize education to improve policies, procedures and decision making in the conservation and protection of Long Island’s water resources.

For more information on this development contact: Mr. Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160.  www.pmgstrategic.com

For more information on the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association contact: Mr. Robert McEvoy, President NSWCA at 516-322-3168.

For information regarding your District’s Water Commissioners contact:  Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at 631-756-7160.  www.pmgstrategic.com