As seen in the Mid-Island Times on July 19, 2024.

As seen in the Mid-Island Times Print Edition on July 19, 2024

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

As the East Coast prepares for what experts expect to be a busy hurricane season, 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. During significant storms experienced in our region in the past—such as Irene, Sandy and Isaias—water never stopped flowing to Plainview-Old Bethpage (POB) residents.

“The Plainview Water District rigorously implements precautionary measures to prepare for both short-term and long-term weather-related situations each year,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “These plans ensure that our supply and distribution system operations can handle any severe weather. We have made substantial investments in infrastructure and manpower, including advanced monitoring systems and emergency response training to guarantee continuous water flow 24/7.”

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 backup 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.

“Providing back-up power to our facilities is a key focus of the PWD’s past and on-going infrastructure and improvement projects,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “This self-sufficiency ensures that our operations remain uninterrupted during power outages, thanks to the dedication and expertise of our teams and professional engineers. Their efforts in implementing and upholding these robust systems are crucial to maintaining our service reliability even under extreme conditions.”

With comprehensive emergency response plans and state-of-the-art infrastructure in place, the District is ready to tackle any challenges posed by severe weather. PWD’s dedicated team has conducted extensive preparations and training to ensure rapid and efficient response in the event of a storm. The Plainview Water District remains committed to serving and protecting the POB community through every season.

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.

“When facing severe weather conditions, the potential for concerns can be quite high, particularly when faced with challenges such as power outages,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “The District aims to alleviate any unnecessary worries for our residents and local businesses during such times. They can rest assured that we are equipped to handle whatever challenges these storms present. Our team is ready to respond, ensuring the Plainview-Old Bethpage community that we will consistently deliver top-notch water services, regardless of the weather conditions.”

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.

As seen in the Nassau Observer on June 13, 2024

District Continues Partnership with Plainview-Old Bethpage School District in Artistic, Educational Activity About Water Conservation

The Plainview Water District (PWD), as part of its Preserve Plainview initiative, is proud to announce the winners of this year’s water conservation poster contest. The PWD, in partnership with the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, launches this program every spring for students in the community grades kindergarten through six. The poster contest serves as an engaging and educational activity aimed at enlightening students about the importance of water conservation while providing an outlet for their creativity.

“The Plainview Water District extends a heartfelt thanks to each of the students and their teachers for their participation in our 2024 poster contest,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “The artwork and creativity put forth in each of the winning submissions showcases the artistic skills and understanding of the importance of water conservation. The District looks forward to continuing this wonderful annual tradition, fostering water awareness and inspiring future generations to protect this vital resource.”

The winners for this year’s water conservation poster contest are as follows:

• Kindergarten
  • First Place – Ruby Waiser 
  • Second Place – Blake Marshak
  • Third Place – Caiden Lin
• Grade 1
  • First Place – Gia Yoon
  • Second Place – Sam Pahl
  • Third Place – Michaela Bednarik
• Grade 2
  • First Place – Aarohi Gawde
  • Second Place – Andrea Wang
  • Third Place – Juliana Mikhail
• Grade 3
  • First Place – Julia Bellofatto
  • Second Place – Ayden Chen
  • Third Place – Isabelle Mrakovcic
• Grade 4
  • First Place – Jason Ziqian Huang
  • Second Place – Dana Yoon
  • Third Place – Charlie Saslowsky 
• Grade 5
  • First Place – Elena Choe
  • Second Place – Kaitlyn Chen
  • Third Place – Hunter Hogan
• Grade 6
  • First Place – Briana Lynch
  • Second Place – Stella Tauz-Del Aguila 
  • Third Place – Ryan Babich

“As we celebrate the winners of this year’s poster contest, all of us at PWD are continually amazed by the outstanding work the students produce each year,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “The creativity and dedication to water conservation are truly wonderful. Our partnership with the POB schools is invaluable, and we are committed to continue working with them in any capacity to ensure students understand the value and importance of water.”

The winners of the water conservation poster contest are selected after deliberation from the PWD’s Board of Commissioners on categories including creativity, design, and overall message. This year, the District collected submissions from students and the finalists were recognized at an award ceremony, which the PWD held on June 5, 2024 at its headquarters.

“The District looks forward to our annual poster contest all year, as it brings immense excitement as we get the opportunity to meet with students and witness their knowledge of water conservation translated into impressive artwork,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We hope that this fun activity encourages them to adopt water conservation practices in their daily lives and to remind their families and friends to do the same.”

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.

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

The Plainview Water District’s elevated water tower is a prominent landmark in Plainview-Old Bethpage, and plays a vital role in the delivery of water to both residential and commercial entities within the community on a daily basis. Recently, crews’ pressure-washed the 143-foot, 1.25-million-gallon water tower as part of PWD’s recurring maintenance program. Beyond the aesthetic upkeep, this important maintenance exercise serves to maintain the integrity of the tower and preserve the life of the paint and protective coatings by mitigating any accumulation of natural biological growth.

“The Plainview Water District’s elevated water tower is not only a visual staple within the Planview-Old Bethpage community, but is a vital component of our water infrastructure,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “The tower provides both water storage and system pressure so, it must be maintained appropriately. 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.”

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 and recommendations are made for larger capital improvement items, if needed.

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 may be needed,” 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. 

Plainview Water District is Dedicated to Offering the POB Community Important Water and Cost-Saving Advice

With warmer weather on the horizon, the Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents and local businesses of the importance of water conservation and the simple steps to follow to do so. Water usage throughout the POB community nearly triples during the spring and summer, primarily due to irrigation systems. Conservation efforts won’t just save money and cut down on unnecessary water wastage, but they will also notably alleviate stress on our infrastructure and help protect our sole-source aquifer.

“Each year, with the onset of spring and summer, there is a noticeable surge in water demand within the Plainview-Old Bethpage community,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “With the reactivation of irrigation systems and the common occurrence of inefficient lawn watering practices, it is important for us to remind our residents of better practices that will save both water and money. We encourage residents to be attentive and adjust their irrigation controller schedules to better align with current weather conditions and temperatures. By adopting better watering practices, significant amounts of water, potentially tens of thousands of gallons per household, can be conserved and prevented from being needlessly wasted.”

A lawn’s watering needs fluctuate significantly between April and September. Merely programming an irrigation clock in April and deactivating it when the season concludes in the Fall may result in significant water waste. Installing a smart irrigation controller is the best way to remove the guesswork and burden of remembering to alter watering schedules. Smart controllers use a Wi-Fi connection to tap into local weather stations to automatically adjust watering schedules based on past, present and future weather conditions. To enhance water management, consider installing a rain sensor in your irrigation system to prevent sprinklers from activating during or after rainfall events.

“Irrigation practices are often misinterpreted, with many believing that our lawns need a significant amount of water in the warmer months,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “In reality, to keep a lawn healthy, only about an inch of water per week is necessary. Overwatering encourages shallow roots, increasing the risk of grass burning on hot days.”

The Plainview Old-Bethpage community can do their part by also being mindful of Nassau County’s Lawn Watering Ordinances, which dictate when homeowners can and cannot water their lawns. The ordinance stipulates that even-numbered homes and non-numbered homes can only water on even-numbered days, odd-numbered homes can only water on odd-numbered days, and no lawn watering can be done between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on any day. 

In addition, residents can also consider turning back the amount of time each zone in their irrigation system waters. Removing just a few minutes of watering from each zone will have a significant impact on water usage, which will ultimately be reflected in the residents’ bills. 

“By simply following best irrigation practices and utilizing available technology, the POB community can be champions in water conservation,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “Yes, it does require a modest upfront investment to convert to a smart controller or other similar water-saving equipment, but the amount saved in your water bill will more than pay for the upfront costs in a relatively short period of time.”

For additional information on water-saving tips and best practices throughout the irrigation season, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater.org. Be sure to sign-up for email updates on the District’s homepage to receive additional information about water district activities. 

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As featured in the Nassau Observer on March 20, 2024

PWD Encourages Residents to Use Lawn Chemicals and Fertilizers Responsibly by Applying Them After April 1st.

As part of the Preserve Plainview initiative, the Plainview Water District aims to highlight the environmental and water supply repercussions associated with premature and excessive lawn fertilization. The District implores all residents to be mindful of the Nassau County “Fertilizer Law” that prohibits fertilizing prior to April 1 of each year.

“The Plainview Water District hopes residents are able to enjoy their green lawns and landscapes this spring, while being mindful of the regulations in place by our County to ensure we are protecting our only source of water,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “To safeguard our sole-source aquifer and local waterways, we urge residents to follow Nassau County’s fertilizer regulations. This small act significantly aids our initiatives to enhance groundwater quality and preserve our environment.”

In accordance with Nassau County’s “Fertilizer Law,” all fertilizers are prohibited from being applied before April 1, 2024 and after November 15, 2024. Residents should always apply the minimum amount of lawn chemicals to the soil and make sure they are stored properly. Additionally, all fertilizers or other lawn chemicals must be kept in cool and dry locations inside of containers that are not prone to leaks. By following instructions listed on the packaging, homeowners can minimize the amount of fertilizer used, limit the amount that runs off into the ground and into our sewer systems so the impact to the environment can be kept to a minimum.

“With the sporadic weather during the transition of seasons, it’s crucial to avoid using these fertilizers until the time is appropriate,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Applying fertilizers just before the ground thaws causes fertilizer to be washed off your lawn, where they can then enter our waterways. We kindly ask residents to be mindful of the correct timing for using these chemicals, as it not only benefits the environment but also saves you money.”

Organic fertilizers—such as cotton seed meal, bone meal and manure—are other examples of effective alternatives to typical fertilizers that can benefit the environment. Biodegradable insecticides that break down to harmless substances in 2-to-21 days are also another effective yet safe way to treat your lawn, while protecting the aquifer.

“The more chemicals and toxins we apply on the ground and in our lawns, the greater the likelihood of them seeping into the groundwater,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “This reality makes selecting the appropriate fertilizer type equally as important as the timing of when it can be applied to your lawn. Higher nitrogen levels in our groundwater requires treatment to prevent these elevated levels from affecting our drinking water. The District encourages residents to pay attention to the types of fertilizers they are purchasing and opt for a natural or organic option whenever possible.”

For additional information on the proper use of lawn and garden products, please call (516) 931-6469 or visit the Plainview Water District website at www.plainviewwater.org. Be sure to sign-up for email updates on the District’s homepage to receive additional information about water district activities.

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Don’t Let Winter Cause POB Hydrants to Hibernate!

As winter settles in, colder temperatures are here to stay as is the likelihood for a winter storm. The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to remind residents about the importance of keeping fire hydrants around the Plainview-Old Bethpage community free of snow and other winter debris. By doing so, members of the POB community can assist first responders in emergency situations, and valuable time can be saved.

“As the colder temperatures set in, it’s essential to remind our residents and business owners about the importance of maintaining clear hydrants throughout the community this winter,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “Ensuring fire hydrants are kept clear at all times is crucial to ensure that the fire department can gain immediate access in the event of an emergency. It’s a quick and simple task that we can all do to assist emergency services in a meaningful way.”

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

“The availability of fire hydrants at all times is essential in emergency situations,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “During an emergency, every moment can be critical, and we cannot predict when or where a fire hydrant might be needed. As a community, it is our job to take precautions and to help our neighbors—this is a simple way to do just that.”

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.

“We encourage residents to be aware of where the nearest fire hydrant to your home is and take part in adopting a hydrant this winter,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “The District remains committed to the well-being of the POB community, and we will continue to raise awareness of initiatives that can benefit residents and emergency services. We thank those who have contributed their time to this worthy cause this winter.”

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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PWD Staff is Geared up and Ready to Tackle Any Pesky Breaks

With the winter season in full swing, the Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to once again remind residents that water main breaks are common across the region throughout the season. Nevertheless, residents and businesses should not worry as the District’s skilled staff is well-prepared and equipped to respond promptly to any emergency. Despite a several water main breaks occurring within the District this winter, service was efficiently restored to the affected areas in a timely manner. The PWD team is highly capable of addressing potential emergency situations rapidly, even in cases where nearby residents may not be aware of a water main break.

“It’s unfortunate, but it’s an unpredictable consequence of the climate in our region,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “Given the freezing and thawing cycles we experience this time of year, it’s inevitable that some main breaks will occur. However, the PWD staff is well-versed in addressing these issues, having the necessary experience, equipment, and preparedness to respond promptly, working around the clock to resolve any such issues.”

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.

“The District’s response plan helps to ensure residents experience minimal interruptions to their water service when breaks occur,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “We ask that if residents suspect a water main break or any water-related problem in your home or area, please do not hesitate to contact PWD and report the situation. By reporting any suspected or undetected breaks or issues, the District can take necessary measures to prevent service disruption or mitigate potentially severe leaks.”

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.

“When a water main break occurs, some residents or businesses may experience discolored water or a decrease in water pressure,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “Following a main break, residents are encouraged to monitor their water and contact the District with any questions they may have. PWD wants to ensure that the POB community is aware that we are always here to assist with any water-related issues or questions that may ever arise.”

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.

Water Rate Increase Went into Effect on January 1, 2024

The Plainview Water District (PWD) is committed to providing the Plainview-Old Bethpage community with the highest quality water at the lowest possible cost. The District would like to inform residents and local businesses within its service territory that a modest rate adjustment has been established and went into effect on January 1, 2024. The increase will be used to fund crucial infrastructure improvements and treatment enhancement projects at all of its six water plant sites. In addition to the increased capital needed for treatment projects, the District is also faced with increased operating costs including rising electric costs and electrical demand, treatment chemicals, and laboratory testing and analysis.

“To ensure that the Plainview Water District consistently delivers high-quality water to residents, it is imperative to continue implementing infrastructure projects while also enhancing our facilities,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “We had to introduce minor rate adjustments in 2024 to ensure we have the funds necessary to maintain and operate the District efficiently and effectively. We don’t take raising rates lightly, but were able to keep increases to a minimum due to our team’s significant efforts in securing nearly $35 million—and counting—in state and federal grant funding.”

Specifically, the new revenue will help cover the costs associated with construction, installation and operation of new advanced oxidation process (AOP) and granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems to continue treating the community’s drinking water for 1,4-dioxane, PFOA and PFOS. Residents and businesses will receive the first quarter water bill in the month of April 2024, which will be the first bill with the new water rates in effect.

The vast majority of residents will notice a minimal impact on their bills, but this impact could become more significant with higher usage. For the average resident using 30,000 gallons of water per quarter, the new rates will result in an increase of $7.63 per quarter, or $2.54 per month. Minimal users, those using 8,000 gallons of water or less per quarter, will experience an increase of $1.50 per quarter or $0.50 per month. The District encourages all residents to consider adopting water conservation measures this spring and summer, including the installation of a smart irrigation controller, to help lower their bills when water usage reaches its peak.

For more information about the 2024 billing changes, please visit www.plainviewwater.org/billing. For other questions about the 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.

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PWD Chairman Marc Laykind Re-Elected to Serve the District for Three More Years

Commissioner’s New Three-Year Term Began on January 1, 2024

The Plainview Water District is proud to announce that Chairman Marc Laykind has won his re-election bid to continue serving on the District’s Board of Commissioners. The District’s annual Water Commissioner Election was held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Chairman Laykind began serving his new three-year term on January 1, 2024.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be re-elected as a Commissioner here at the Plainview Water District,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “Serving the Plainview-Old Bethpage community is not just a duty but a great privilege. I am proud to have the opportunity to continue our work and mission here at the Plainview Water District for another three years.”

First elected in 2015 and serving as Chairman since 2017, Chairman Laykind has served on the District’s Board of Commissioners overseeing nearly every aspect of PWD’s operations as a Commissioner and Chairman. Laykind is also an attorney in private practice with offices in New York City and Nassau County. He has been an active member in the Plainview-Old Bethpage community for over 30 years, where he resides with his wife, Debbie, and sons, Matthew and Michael.

Chairman Laykind will continue to work alongside current Commissioners Andrew Bader and Michael Chad as well as the PWD’s staff to continue providing quality water and service to the residents of the POB community.

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.

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