As seen in the Mid-Island Times on November 30, 2023

Proper Disposal of Expired or Unwanted Medications to Prevent Potential Contamination of Sole-Source Aquifer

The Plainview Water District (PWD), in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department, successfully hosted its sixth annual Pharmaceutical Take Back Day and collected over 400 pounds of unwanted or expired medications. These medications will now be disposed of properly in order to prevent them from making it into the community’s sole-source aquifer for drinking water. This District has now collected and properly disposed of more than 1,800 pounds of medications since it began this annual event six years ago.

“For the past six years, the Plainview Water District has held Pharmaceutical Take Back Day as part of its continued initiative to protect our sole-source aquifer and prevent the improper disposal of medications,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “The District extends its thanks to the POB community for their participation and commitment which has been instrumental in contributing to the event’s success year after year. We look forward to further collaboration with POB residents and service to the community in the future.”

When someone improperly disposes of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, such as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them away in the garbage, there is a likelihood that the medications’ contents will ultimately make their way into the community water ways and water supply. If there is an elevated presence of toxins from pharmaceuticals in the groundwater, the District will have no choice but to invest in expensive treatment systems so the contaminants can be removed before they reach customers’ homes.

“Our annual Pharmaceutical Takeback Day continues to provide a useful service to our residents and allows them to play an important role in protecting our community drinking water source,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “The entire team at the Plainview Water District is incredibly grateful for the continued support and involvement of the community, as this event wouldn’t be possible without them. We are excited to continue to hold this event for many years to come and to watch its success continue to grow with both current and future members of the POB community.”

“As a longtime member of the Plainview-Old Bethpage community, this was an incredible experience to see how many of our community members participate in Pharmaceutical Take Back Day,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “The level of dedication shown by the District to make this event happen and to the residents that participated is truly remarkable and will without a doubt help our efforts to preserve Plainview. Thank you to all who took the time to join us and participate!”

For additional information about the Plainview Water District, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.

Planview Water District Informs Residents on Upcoming Maintenance to the Community’s Elevated Water Tower and its Importance

The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like inform residents that the District’s water tower will be undergoing routine maintenance beginning on October 18^th. This routine cleaning process includes power washing any natural algae growth on the exterior of the tower. The District anticipates this work to be completed by October 20^th.  

PWD’s elevated water tower can be seen from almost anywhere in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community and this vital piece of infrastructure plays a significant role in providing high-quality water to residents and businesses each and every day. Standing at 143 feet tall, located at one of the highest points in the community, this water tower stores more than one million gallons of water and pressurizes much of the water system. Given the importance of this piece of infrastructure, the District fulfills a routine maintenance and inspection schedule for the tower so it is always operating at peak performance.

“The PWD water tower is not only a visual staple within the community, but also a vital component of our water’s infrastructure,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “The tower provides both water storage and system pressure at a significantly lower cost than alternative systems. With that, it must be maintained appropriately and the District has strict timelines when it comes to proper inspections and upkeep to ensure it is always ready to serve.”

Water towers are a tried-and-true method for ensuring that pressure throughout a water distribution system is consistent. Using gravity, the weight of more than one million gallons of water stored more than 100 feet in the air helps to pressurize a significant portion of the District’s nine-square-mile service territory. This system ensures homes continue to receive pressurized water even in the event of an emergency, such as a fire or water main break. During the summer months, when water usage is at its peak, it is important for residents to practice better water conservation habits to ensure tank levels remain adequate so there is ample water storage and pressure in the event of a fire emergency.

“In the event of an emergency, we want to ensure that we are prepared in every way possible,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Continuing best practices in relation to water consumption contributes significantly to the overall health of our infrastructure, especially the water tower. These systems are generally much more efficient to operate in comparison to other systems such as ground storage tanks or booster pumping stations. However, we always want to ensure we are doing all that we can to alleviate any additional stressors that may be caused by overconsumption when possible.”

Plainview’s water tower is given a thorough inspection by the District’s engineers twice per year. During this inspection, a detailed report of the tanks condition is produced. The reports are then reviewed by the District’s superintendent who is a licensed professional engineer. Any minor issues found during these regular inspections are corrected immediately and recommendations are made for larger capital improvement items, if applicable.

Each 2.31 feet of height provides 1.0 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure. These elevated tanks are typically installed at the highest elevation in the system for this specific reason. The tank’s capacity is designed to provide enough volume to satisfy peak demand conditions during the summer while also having the ability to meet any demand caused by an emergency such as a fire.

“The District has always remained dedicated to our infrastructure as well as the necessary upkeep and any upgrades that can occur,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “This facility in particular receives routine inspections and any continued needed maintenance throughout the year. With all of our facilities, we remain diligent in our maintenance to make sure that we are providing our residents with the best service and quality possible.”

The Plainview Water District has 6 well sites that collectively house 12 deep groundwater wells with a total approved capacity of 24.5 million gallons per day. The District’s service area is approximately 9 square miles and makes up Plainview, Old-Bethpage and portions of Syosset and Woodbury. Typically, the District pumps approximately 1.7 billion gallons per year from the groundwater aquifer. While the allowable capacity exceeds a typical max day seasonal pumpage of 10 million gallons per day, the District must be prepared to meet fire demands, extreme weather and ability to supply water in case of equipment failures.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please call the District at 516-931-6469, email info@plainviewwater.org or visit www.plainviewwater.org. To receive regular updates from the Plainview Water District, please sign up for email updates on the District’s homepage. Don’t forget to stay connected to the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PlainviewWaterDistrict. 

District Once Again Provides Community with Convenient, Drive-Thru Opportunity to Safely Dispose Unwanted Medications

The Plainview Water District (PWD) is hosting its sixth annual Pharmaceutical Take Back Day on Saturday, October 28 between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm at 10 Manetto Hill Road. Residents are encouraged to stop by the District Headquarters to safely and properly dispose of any unwanted or expired medications. As a part of the PWD’s Preserve Plainview initiative, this annual drive-thru event ensures the proper disposal of pharmaceuticals and prevents them from making their way into the aquifer which is our community’s sole-source of drinking water.

“The Plainview Water District highly encourages the Plainview-Old Bethpage community to join us in participating in this year’s Pharmaceutical Take Back Day event—to dispose of their expired or unused medications in a safe and convenient way,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “We have a collective duty as a community to make all efforts possible to protect our shared environment and drinking water. This event is a quick and easy act that has a significant and long-lasting impact on our environment and sustainability. Year after year, POB residents continue to impress us with their active involvement in this event and we are looking forward to making this year’s the most successful one yet.” 

Normally, if someone flushes medications down the toilet or throws them in the garbage, there is a likelihood that the medications’ contents will ultimately make their way into the community water ways and water supply. If there is an elevated presence of toxins from pharmaceuticals in the groundwater, the District will have no choice but to invest in expensive treatment systems to remove any contaminants before they reach customers’ homes.

“Taking part in Pharmaceutical Take Back Day is an opportunity to responsibly dispose of any unused medications, while playing an active role in safeguarding our community and environment,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Each of us, as members of the POB community, have a responsibility to do all that we can to protect our environment from any potentially harmful substances and reducing our environmental impact. We hope to be joined by many residents who are looking to take action and aid in protecting current and future generations of our community.” 

This year, Pharmaceutical Take Back Day, which is held in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department, will take place on October 28^th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. All residents with unused or expired medications are encouraged to drop them off at the District’s headquarters—10 Manetto Hill Road—and may do so anonymously without having to leave their vehicles.  

“The District has continued to host this significantly effective event for the past six years, largely in part of the outpouring support and participation from the Plainview-Old Bethpage community,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “I am extremely excited to be a part of this year’s Pharmaceutical Take Back Day and to see the POB community’s support first-hand. By participating, residents are directly making a positive impact on public health and caring for our shared environment.”

For additional information about the Plainview Water District’s Pharmaceutical Take Back Day or other District initiatives, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives. 

Planview Water District Shares the Many Reasons for and Benefits of Waterflow-Sensing Technology

The Plainview Water District (PWD) is encouraging residents to take advantage of new technologies that provide real-time access to the amount of water flowing within their home. This announcement comes as the District has been alerted to several instances over the past couple of months of residents leaving their homes for an extended period of time and returning to significant flood damage. The new technologies available not only enable users to establish leak alerts, but also provides them with real-time access to their homes’ water usage.

“We are always saddened to hear stories from residents who return to a flooded home due to a broken pipe or valve that didn’t hold while they were away,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “While many of these situations cannot be avoided, the damage caused by them can be significantly mitigated by installing a water flow sensor. These devices are relatively simple to install and provide residents with the power to see the amount of water flowing through their meter at any given time.”

Smart water flow devices are typically installed on the main water line to accurately measure and communicate water usage within a home or business. Some devices can shut off the water main if a significant leak is detected. Tracking and monitoring water consumption offers many positive benefits to consumers, as the data collected by the flow sensors can keep track of usage patterns, ensuring accurate billing, and even help detect leaks before they become a major source of damage. Many of these devices come with an app that can be downloaded onto a phone or tablet that offers a user-friendly dashboard to display data.

“With all of the new technology out there, we want to ensure that residents are aware of the many new tools available to make their lives easier and keep them informed,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “These products can be very useful investments, paying for themselves relatively quickly, as they can assist residents with tracking water usage in a convenient manner. It can also help in better understanding your water bill and how you can practice better consumption habits to bring the cost on your bill down even more.”

Leaks can be one of the largest sources of damage to your home, while also generating significant water bills. While most homes have either a three quarter to one inch service line, the amount of flow coming out of a quarter-inch pipe can be staggering. A quarter-inch pipe flowing with water can pump out approximately 15,000 gallons of water every day—nearly a half million gallons of water per month. Some of these smart devices offer floor sensors that pair with the device to monitor further for flooding. With smart flow technology, users can remain aware of what is occurring in their households at all times and safeguard their property to possible leak-related incidents all from the convenience of their smartphone.

“The District always wants our residents and their homes to remain safe,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “This kind of technology can allow homeowners to travel or be away from their property, while alleviating the worry of an undetected leak occurring while they are not home. We highly encourage any residents that travels for extended periods of time or have unoccupied properties to consider investing in these devices an provide some additional peace of mind to their lives.”

For more information about these devices residents are encouraged to research smart water flow devices and choose a product that properly meets their expectations and needs.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please call the District at 516-931-6469, email info@plainviewwater.org or visit www.plainviewwater.org. To receive regular updates from the Plainview Water District, please sign up for email updates on the District’s homepage. Don’t forget to stay connected to the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PlainviewWaterDistrict. 

As seen in the Mid-Island Times 8.3.23

As seen in the Mid-Island Times on July 14, 2023

Water District Offers Best Practices and Tips to Help Lower Third Quarter Bills

Plainview, N.Y.—The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents that July is Smart Irrigation Month! This time of the year is a great reminder of the benefits of smart controllers and their ability to reduce water consumed by irrigation systems by up to 30 percent. With the warm and dry summer weather, District-wide water pumpage numbers are up significantly due to the high use of irrigation systems. As part of its Preserve Plainview initiative, the District would like to provide residents with ways to save water around their homes and businesses.

“Every summer, the District sees increased water usage that is almost exclusively attributed to irrigation systems,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “We highly encourage all residents and businesses throughout the District to prioritize conservation efforts and implement best practices into their daily routines. In doing so, we are making a great impact on the protection of our water source and not overburdening our infrastructure.”

Water consumption in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community nearly triples during the summer months. Water conservation will not only reduce unnecessary water waste and save residents money, but will significantly decrease excess pumpage of the aquifer and stresses to the District’s groundwater wells and treatment systems.

The Plainview Water District strongly recommends consideration of swapping your standard automatic irrigation timer with a smart irrigation controller to help increase conservation efforts locally. Smart controllers use a Wi-Fi connection to tap into local weather stations to automatically adjust watering schedules based on past, present and future local weather conditions, ensuring that lawns and gardens only receive the precise amount of water they need in order to stay lush and green.

“Smart irrigation controllers are incredibly useful tools to assist with any irrigation routine,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “These devices are known to significantly reduce water usage by creating the appropriate watering schedules for the area. We encourage any residents of the POB community to install this helpful technology as it will create positive benefits to water conservation goals as well as lower their third quarter bills during the summer months.”

Smart irrigation controllers are effective at reducing water use because they use information such as local weather conditions, plant type and soil moisture levels to determine accurate landscaping water needs. The systems also adjust to weather conditions automatically, allowing lawns and gardens to thrive under optimal watering conditions without any user intervention. 

“While there are no current water shortages, it is our duty to take appropriate precautions to help preserve Long Island’s water source,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “There are many simple best practices that we can all use throughout the community to create a positive impact. Smart irrigation controllers can assist in improving conservation while creating healthier, more resilient lawns and simultaneously helps lower third quarter bills.”

Here are some simple ways to conserve water this summer:

• Follow Nassau County’s Lawn Watering Ordinance
  • Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Odd-numbered homes can only water on odd-numbered days.
  • Even and non-numbered homes can only water on even-numbered days.
• Install a rain sensor or check that your current rain sensor is functioning properly.
• Use a drip irrigation system to limit water lost through evaporation and improve amount of water delivered to root systems.
• Consider planting drought-resistant shrubs and flowers in your garden or mulch around existing flower beds to retain additional water.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please call the District at 516-931-6469, email info@plainviewwater.org or visit www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.

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In the Event of Power Outages and Other Impacts of Severe Weather, Water Will Keep Flowing

Plainview, N.Y. —In the event of a difficult hurricane season and other extreme weather, The Plainview Water District (PWD) is prepared despite any potential flooding or widespread power outages. The District is well equipped to continue to provide residents with the highest quality water possible, regardless of the weather. In the past, when our region has experienced significant storms—such as Irene, Sandy and Isaias—water never stopped flowing to Plainview-Old Bethpage (POB) residents.

“Every year, the District works diligently to take precautionary measures to plan for both short-term and long-term weather related situations,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “These plans ensure that our supply and distribution system operations can handle any severe weather event. We have planned accordingly and made the necessary investments in both infrastructure and manpower to keep water flowing twenty-four seven.”

All water pumps and treatment facilities rely heavily on electricity in order to operate. If a power outage does occur, the PWD has its own emergency generator facilities on standby at all of its plant sites to automatically take over supplying electricity. The generator equipment is maintained year-round and tested frequently to ensure it is always ready when needed. In addition, all members of the PWD are trained and prepared to use the equipment and handle many different emergency situations like hurricanes and tropical storms.

“Part of all of the PWD’s continued infrastructure and improvement projects are designed to provide back-up power to our facilities,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Ensuring that our facilities are self-sufficient and can remain operational is due to all of the hard work of our teams and professional engineers who design these systems.”

The District is also a member of New York’s statewide Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (NYWARN) of utilities that encourages and supports emergency preparedness across the state, as well as disaster response and mutual aid for public and private water and wastewater utilities. As a member of NYWARN, neighboring water suppliers from across the state provide emergency assistance when necessary. The PWD is proud to help assist its neighboring water systems in case of an emergency.

“Any weather-related matters such as power outages can be extremely stressful situations to deal with,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We want our residents to be fully aware that all District facilities and staff are prepared to act immediately should our facilities lose power or be impacted in any other way by a severe storm. The Plainview-Old Bethpage community can be sure that the District will continue to provide high-quality water, no matter the circumstances surrounding the weather.”

For further information, or if you have any questions, please call the District at 516-931-6469 email info@plainviewwater.org or visit www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.

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Water District Offers Tips to Conserve Water and Help Lower Bills

Plainview, N.Y.—The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents of the benefits of smart irrigation controllers and their use in the interest of water conservation. With the warm and dry summer weather quickly approaching, District-wide water pumpage numbers are expected to increase significantly due to the high use of irrigation systems. As part of its Preserve Plainview initiative, the District would like to provide residents with ways to save water around their homes and businesses.

“With the warmer weather, it is typical that the POB communities water usage grows significantly in comparison to other seasons,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “The increased usage of irrigation systems throughout the summer months often results in over-consumption and higher third-quarter bills. It is important that we all make an effort to use best practices when it relates our water usage in order to protect our vital resource.”

Water consumption in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community nearly triples during the summer months, which is most notably attributed to irrigation systems. Water conservation will not only reduce unnecessary water waste and save money, but will also significantly decrease excess pumpage of the aquifer and demand to the District’s groundwater wells and treatment systems.

The Plainview Water District highly recommends the implementation of smart irrigation controllers to help increase conservation efforts locally. Smart controllers use a Wi-Fi connection to tap into local weather stations to automatically adjust watering schedules based on local weather conditions, ensuring that lawns and gardens only receive the precise amount of water they need in order to stay lush and green.

“Smart irrigation controllers are valuable investments for anyone looking to make the irrigation process more convenient and eco-friendly,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “These systems are known to significantly reduce excess irrigation and water usage, while giving users healthier lawns. We highly encourage all customers to install this environmentally friendly technology.”

Smart irrigation controllers are effective at reducing water use because they use information such as local weather conditions, plant type and soil moisture levels to determine accurate landscaping water needs. The systems also adjust to weather conditions automatically, allowing lawns and gardens to thrive under optimal watering conditions without any user intervention. 

“As a community, it is our collective responsibility to take precautions to help preserve our most precious natural resource,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “Residents can participate in the simple act of conservation in many ways, such as installing a smart irrigation system or practicing better irrigation habits this summer. By doing so, we are not only preserving water and saving money, but are working to ensure that future generations of POB residents have access to this resource.”

Here are some simple ways to conserve water this summer:

·       Follow Nassau County’s Lawn Watering Ordinance

o   Watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

o   Odd-numbered homes can only water on odd-numbered days.

o   Even and non-numbered homes can only water on even-numbered days.

·       Confirm your rain sensor is installed correctly and is functioning properly.

·       Mulch around flower beds to retain additional water.

·       Use a drip irrigation system to limit water lost through evaporation and improve the amount of water delivered to root systems.

·       Routinely check your irrigation clock and adjust time for seasonal temperatures and precipitation events.

·       Avoid watering on windy days.

For further information, or if you have any questions, please call the District at 516-931-6469, email info@plainviewwater.org or visit www.plainviewwater.org. Residents can also sign up to receive information by submitting their email address through the District’s homepage or following them on Facebook in order to stay up-to-date with District activities and initiatives.

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As seen in the Mid-Island Times 3.30.23

Dina Scott, CPA, Joins the NYGFOA Long Island Regional Council  and LIWC Business Practices Committee

Plainview, New York—The Plainview Water District is proud to announce that its Business Manager, Dina Scott, CPA, has recently been appointed to the New York State Government Finance Officers Association’s (NYGFOA) Long Island Regional Council as well as Co-Chair of the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) Business Practice Committee. Dina was asked to play a role in both of these well-respected organizations due to her depth of governmental financial and accounting experience.

“The Plainview Water District team is extremely proud of Dina’s great achievements and know these organizations will both benefit immensely by tapping into her years of experience,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “This recognition is very well deserved and speaks volumes to what she has been able to accomplish here on behalf of the Plainview-Old Bethpage community. Her vast knowledge will be a great asset to both the Long Island Water Conference and the New York State Government Finance Officers Association.”

The LIWC’s Business Practices Committee aims to serve as a resource to Long Island’s water providers as they navigate through new waves of state and federal grant funding. Mrs. Scott will serve as Co-Chair of the committee, providing guidance and expertise to local water providers with regards to grant management as well as compliance with many of the complex requirements included as part of grant administration. Her extensive expertise in this area and success in securing more than $34 million in grants for the Plainview Water District makes her an invaluable asset to the organization—especially as new government funding streams continue to become available. 

The New York Government Finance Officers’ Association is a not-for-profit professional membership organization and is composed of more than 1,110 public and private sector government finance professionals throughout New York State. The Long Island Regional Council is elected by the membership of the NYGFOA to serve their respective region and is made up of regional industry leaders in the sector. The goal of the Council is to ensure best practices are being used throughout Long Island, while providing support and assistance to local government financial professionals.

Ms. Scott has been a member of the NYGFOA for over 18 years. In 2022, she was part of the Advisory Board to the Long Island Regional Council. This year, she will serve on the Long Island Regional Council alongside the other leading financial governmental professionals across Long Island.

Dina Scott, CPA, joined the Plainview Water District in 2017 to assume the role as Business Manager. Ms. Scott uses her more than 18 years of experience in governmental accounting and auditing to oversee all budgetary and financial operations of the District and provides guidance on all related matters. Prior to joining the District, Dina was a supervisor for a well-respected accounting firm where she specialized in governmental audit and accounting services for local municipalities, including local water providers. She is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from St. Joseph’s College.

Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive District updates by visiting www.plainviewwater.org and also follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

Testing must be facilitated annually by a certified backflow tester

Plainview, New York—With spring quickly approaching and residents getting started on projects in their yards and gardens, the Plainview Water District would like to remind homeowners to have their backflow prevention devices tested. Backflow prevention devices protect the public water supply from external contaminants such as lawn fertilizers. Testing these devices to ensure they are functioning properly before the high-demand irrigation season begins is vitally important to protect our water quality. 

“Annual testing and maintenance of backflow devices when home sprinkler systems come back online plays a huge role in ensuring high-quality water continues to flow to the homes and businesses we serve,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind “Additionally, for your protection, the Plainview Water District encourages customers to inquire if a tester is both licensed and insured.”

Backflow prevention devices keep potentially contaminated water out of the public water supply in the event that pressure drops due to fire emergencies, water-main breaks or other unexpected instances of differential pressure. Testing is particularly important before irrigation systems are turned back on and is often the most economical time to have the test performed.

“The PWD has always stressed the importance of taking preventative measures within your home, as it is impossible to predict an emergency,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “We ask that everyone take part in backflow testing as it is best to be prepared for any possible situation that may arise and can cause an adverse effect on our community’s water supply.”

To avoid potential fines, the District encourages residents to arrange for a New York State (NYS) Department of Health certified backflow tester to test your backflow prevention device to make sure it meets all mandated guidelines. The Plainview Water District has a list of New York State certified testers available on the Districts website for those residents who are unsure of who to contact. Any homeowner who has questions about having their device tested is encouraged to contact the District to learn more about the process.

“All residents and businesses throughout the POB community should always do what they can to ensure that our water supply remains safe for future generations and routine backflow device testing is one way to do just that,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We ask our community to take part in this simple action that provides a factor of safety to the health and well-being of our community.”

If you have general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater.org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive District updates by visiting www.plainviewwater.org and also follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

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District Staff is Equipped to Quickly Respond and Repair Any Breaks

Plainview, N.Y.—The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents that water main breaks occur more often during the winter months, but are a completely normal experience for this time of year. Fortunately, the District has a highly trained staff that is capable of quickly addressing these potentially emergency situations to a degree where nearby residents may not even know a break has occurred.

“Water main breaks are an unfortunate reality in any area that experiences extreme cold, and Long Island certainly qualifies,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “Thankfully, the Plainview Water District has an experienced staff who responds to breaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We are committed to solving any water-related issue that may arise, to quickly restore residents’ water service.”

As the case with all cold-weather climates, water main breaks are an unfortunate reality as they typically occur when there is movement in the soil surrounding the water pipes or a freeze/thawing condition. Water mains are installed below the frost line; however, when the soil shrinks or swells it places pressure on the pipes causing a break. Though the length of time to repair a leak varies from incident to incident depending on its severity and how quickly the leak can be located, PWD employees are trained to repair all types of breaks efficiently, quickly and safely.

“While the District has systems in place to learn about main breaks shortly after they may occur, there are situations where they are not easily detected,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Anytime someone suspects there may be a water main break, or any other water-related issue in the community, they should never hesitate to contact us and report the situation.”

When water service is restored, residents may notice air in their pipes and the water may be discolored. The discoloration is not harmful, but can stain laundry. If you experience discolored water, let the cold water run from a faucet or tub at the closest area to your incoming service line for a few minutes or until it clears.

“Water main breaks may cause residents to experience a drop in water pressure or discolored water,” said PWD Commission Michael Chad. “Repairing these breaks is one of the most important things our staff does at PWD. Which is why we have dedicated crews to react quickly to each break, to ensure potential interruptions to residents’ water service are as minimal as possible.”

The Plainview Water District asks for residents’ help in reporting potential main breaks. Residents that notice areas of wetness along the curb, bubbling of water in the roadway or unexplainable icy conditions are encouraged to contact the Plainview Water District immediately at 516-931-6469.

If you have questions about preparing your home’s water system for the winter or general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater.org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive updates by filling out the form at www.plainviewwater.org or by following the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

As seen in the Mid-Island Times January 26, 2023

Plainview, New York—The Plainview Water District (PWD) recently held its swearing-in ceremony to celebrate Commissioner Michael Chad’s election to serve on the Board of Commissioners for the next three years. Commissioner Chad, a long-time resident of Plainview, brings to the Plainview Water District a strong background in finance. As he enters his first term, Commissioner Chad will work alongside current commissioners Marc Laykind and Andrew Bader as well as the PWD’s staff to continue providing quality water and service to the residents of the POB community.

“I am truly humbled and thankful to have the support of the Plainview-Old Bethpage residents as I join the Plainview Water Districts Board of Commissioners,” said Commissioner Chad. “It will be an honor to serve on this Board and begin to work together to continue the District’s role as an industry leader here on Long Island.”

Commissioner Chad has been an accountant in private practice since 1988, after earning his BA in Accounting at the City University of New York’s Brooklyn College. His business expertise encompasses all aspects of general accounting, with a focus on corporate and personal income taxes. Commissioner Chad has also been a proud resident of Plainview since 1994, where he raised his two children and currently lives with his wife.

“Michael Chad is a proud member of this community, and we are fortunate to have his years of expertise in finance as we continue our mission of providing POB residents with the highest quality water possible,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “His background will make him a very effective member of the District’s Board of Commissioners, and we look forward to the insights and guidance he’ll provide throughout his term.”

Since 2014, Commissioner Chad has held several prominent roles in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, initially, serving as the organization’s Treasurer and then on its Board of Directors. Commissioner Chad is also a long-time member of the Plainview Jewish Center, where he also serves on the Board of Directors of the Men’s Club.

If you have general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater.org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive District updates by visiting www.plainviewwater.org and also follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

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As seen in the Bethpage Newsgram January 19, 2023

As seen in the Nassau Observer January 14, 2023

Plainview, N.Y.—Winter is here and so are colder temperatures for the next couple of months. The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents about the importance of keeping fire hydrants throughout the Plainview-Old Bethpage community clear of snow and other winter debris. Hydrants that remain free of snow and ice can save first responders precious time when responding to an emergency situation.

“The colder temperatures are here and serve as a great reminder to our residents and business owners of the importance of ensuring hydrants throughout the community are kept clear this winter,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “Keeping fire hydrants clear at all times allows the fire department to have uncompromised access in the case of an emergency.”

Residents are encouraged to “adopt” a nearby hydrant so there is a dedicated person responsible in keeping it clear during a snowstorm as well as reporting any potential issues. Clearing three feet of snow around the hydrant will allow firefighters to not only identify their locations with ease, but also provide uninterrupted access during a potential emergency.

“The POB community’s safety is our top priority, which is why we ask residents to not overlook the importance of this simple task,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “We encourage residents to be aware of where the nearest fire hydrant to your home is and to do your part in helping keep our neighbors safe.”

The District is also asking its residents to consider providing assistance to any friends, family members, or neighbors who are not able to clear their own hydrants. Those who leave their homes for the winter season are asked to please notify a neighbor who can ensure a hydrant is still cleared in their absence.

“Emergencies can occur at any point, which is why this initiative is so important,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We can never predict when a fire hydrant is going to be needed, so we must ensure they remain easily accessible for our fire department at all times. In the event of an emergency, every second counts and completing this simple task can save emergency responders precious moments.”

If you have questions about preparing your home’s water system for the winter or general inquiries about your water service, please call 516-931-6469 or send an email to info@plainviewwater.org. Customers of the Plainview Water District are also encouraged to sign up to receive updates by visiting www.plainviewwater.org. Follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

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As seen in the Mid-Island Times January 5, 2023