Association Calls for New Regional Aquifer Management & Approach
(Hicksville, NY) The Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA), which consists of 21 Long Island recently met to discuss pending legislation about Long Island aquifers and our future’s regional water landscape.
Dennis Kelleher, President of Melville-based H2M Architects + Engineers, a leading engineering and environmental firm, spoke about several resolutions for creating a regional management commission that were recently introduced in both the Nassau and Suffolk County Legislatures.
Pictured from left to right at a recent Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) are: NSWCA Member Ralph Pugliese of Franklin Square Water District, NSWCA 1st Vice President Howard Abbondondelo of Albertson Water District, Guest Speaker Dennis Kelleher, President of H2M Architects + Engineers, NSWCA President Gary Brosnan of South Farmingdale Water District, and NSWCA Secretary Thomas P. Hand of Massapequa Water District.
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 this 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 suggested number of members on the commission, who would appoint those members and enforce 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 three million Long Island residents.
Mr. 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 Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association President Gary Brosnan at (516) 249-3330 or via email, gary@sfwater.com
For information regarding your district’s Water Commissioners, please contact Jamie Stanco with Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. at (631) 756-7160 or via email, jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com; Agency Contact Information: Jamie Stanco, Progressive Marketing Group, Inc. Phone: (631) 756-7160; email: jpstanco@pmgstrategic.com
