Month: May 2024

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District Urges Residents to Opt for Organic or Non-toxic Fertilizing Options

The Plainview Water District (PWD) encourages residents to be conscientious when selecting and utilizing fertilizer products for their lawns. Amidst the abundance of choices available, it is important to identify fertilizers suitable for individual properties and vegetation, while adhering to the guidelines outlined in the NYS Nutrient Run-off law. By taking these measures, not only can homeowners maintain lush lawns, but they also contribute to the preservation of our environment and protection of shared water sources.

“It’s crucial to keep in mind that household products containing harmful chemicals can gradually affect the environment over time,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “By reducing our personal use of these harmful lawn fertilizers, we are each taking proactive steps to protect our shared ecosystem and mitigate potential water pollution.”

Correct application of fertilizers is necessary to prevent the runoff of additional chemicals or toxins that could contaminate water sources. When fertilizers are not used properly, they can wash away with rain or irrigation water, seeping into rivers, lakes, and groundwater, posing risks to aquatic ecosystems and overall health. By following recommended guidelines for fertilizer application, such as timing, dosage, and placement, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of water pollution. Responsible fertilizer use not only promotes healthy plant growth but also helps the quality of our waterways, ensuring a sustainable environment for current and future generations.

Recognizing the crucial link between lawn fertilizers and water pollution, these restrictions were put in place by the State of New York and aimed at reducing the harmful impacts of excess nutrients on water bodies across New York. Excessive use of fertilizers containing phosphorus and nitrogen has been identified as a leading cause of water contamination, contributing to algal blooms and ecosystem degradation.

Under the NYS regulations, the sale and use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus are strictly prohibited, except in cases of new lawn establishment or soil testing indicating a need for phosphorus. Nitrogen content in fertilizers are limited to ensure responsible application and prevent nutrient runoff into waterways.

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.

To remain in-compliance with the NYS Nutrient Run-off Law, DO NOT do the following:

  • Use lawn fertilizer that contains phosphorus unless you are establishing a new lawn, or a soil test shows that your lawn does not have enough phosphorus.
  • Apply any lawn fertilizer between December 1 – April 1.
  • Apply fertilizer on sidewalks, driveways or other impervious surfaces. If fertilizer spills onto these surfaces, you MUST sweep it up to prevent it from washing into drains or waterways. Do not hose if off.
  • Apply lawn fertilizer within 20 feet of any water body unless…
    • There is at least a 10-foot buffer of shrubs, trees or other plants between the area you are fertilizing and the water.
      • OR
    • Fertilizer can be applied no closer than 3 feet from the water using a device with a spreader guard, deflector shield or drop spreader.

If residents have questions they are encouraged to visit the Plainview Water District’s website, www.plainviewwater.org, email info@plainviewwater.org or call 516-931-6469.

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Proactive Approach to Treating for PFOS and PFOA has Favorably Positioned District and the Community

On April 10, 2024, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a series of new regulations setting national maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for several perfluorinated compounds. While water providers throughout the country have up to five years to comply with the new standards, the Plainview Water District (PWD) is proud to announce that it is currently in compliance with the regulations.

“Our residents can rest assured that the water they use each and every day is currently compliant with these standards, which are stricter than the ones New York State imposed in 2020,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “Our proactive and aggressive response to construct Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) treatment at impacted well sites for the purpose of removing perfluorinated compounds has ensured the water delivered to our customers is of the highest quality.”

The EPA’s new water quality standards established a nation-wide MCL for PFOA and PFOS at four parts per trillion (PPT)—the state’s current MCL for these contaminants is 10 PPT. The new regulation also establishes MCLs for other perfluorinated compounds that include PFHxS (Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid) and HFPO-DA (Hexafluoropropylene dimer acid) at 10 PPT. Water suppliers throughout the country have three years to sample for these contaminants and an additional two years after that to implement treatment. Full compliance with the regulation is required by 2029.

“Not only have we been testing for these specific and other currently unregulated perfluorinated contaminants since 2018, we have had effective treatment for them in place before the summer of 2020,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “The treatment systems that were built in response to the 2020 regulations by New York State are effective at removing these compounds down to levels of non-detect.”

“The level of investment made by this District and the speed in which the investment was made speaks volumes to the ability and expertise of the impressive team that has been assembled,” said PWD Commission Michael Chad. “Luck was never a part of the equation here. We are only in this positive position because of the hard work and dedication of this board, our staff and engineers.”

To learn more about the projects the PWD has completed and is currently embarking on to provide residents in the POB community with high-quality water, please visit https://plainviewwater.org/about/plainview-water-district-projects/. If residents have questions about these projects or the quality of their water, they are encouraged to visit the District’s website, www.plainviewwater.org, email info@plainviewwater.org or call 516-931-6469.

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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.