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.”