Month: June 2024

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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.

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As seen in the Nassau Observer on June 13, 2024

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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.

(L-R) The Plainview Water District Board of Commissioners Andrew Bader, Michael Chad  and Marc Laykind  joined by the winners of the 2024 PWD Water Conservation Poster Contest.
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District Provides Residents with Simple Tips and Tricks to Avoid Water Waste

The Plainview Water District (PWD) is dedicated to ensuring all residents contribute to Preserving Plainview and conserving water this summer. A significant opportunity for water conservation lies in the responsible filling and maintenance of swimming pools. To support this effort, the District is offering a variety of practical tips to help prevent unnecessary water waste from residents’ pools. 

“Practicing the best pool filling techniques is crucial for our community, especially considering how many homes in Plainview-Old Bethpage have swimming pools,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “Collectively, these pools use tens of millions of gallons of water. With such a significant volume at risk of excess waste, we are committed to providing tips that will help residents conserve water and prevent unnecessary surplus”

These easy tips cover areas such as optimal pool filling techniques, regular maintenance practices to minimize evaporation and leaks, and advice on using pool covers to reduce water loss. By following these guidelines, residents can enjoy their pools while also helping to safeguard the community’s water resources.

Recommended Tips for Filling Pools:

  • Check for any possible holes or leaks in the liner before filling up.
  • Don’t leave the pool unattended when it is being filled. Someone should remain present at all times to avoid overfilling and expedite shut off in case of an emergency.
    • NEVER leave a pool filling overnight.
  • Pools should be covered when not in use. Hundreds of gallons of water per month can be lost due to evaporation.
  • Only add chemicals to the pool when it is full, and only add what you need according to the pool manual. This will avoid improper levels, which would cause you to empty out and refill the pool.
  • As an additional precaution, always use a hose connection vacuum breaker to prevent water flow reversal.
  • Always be mindful of children. Ensure your pool is properly fenced and has a pool alarm.

“In a time when costs are rising across the board for many goods, especially for pool chemicals like chlorine, following pool filling tips is crucial,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Not only do these practices conserve water, but they also help residents keep their pool operations and maintenance expenses down, ensuring a more affordable and sustainable summer season.”

Furthermore, residents should be aware that before contracting for an in-ground pool or investing in an above-ground pool, there are several important considerations. These pools require special permits and specific safety installations to comply with local regulations. All pools must be equipped with a recirculation and filtering system to maintain water quality and a double check valve installed at the meter on the incoming water service to prevent contamination. Taking these steps ensures a clean and compliant pool setup, protecting both your family and your investment.

“We urge residents to remain mindful of all that goes into owning and maintaining a pool in your yard,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “It is important to ensure that your pool is adequately filtered. Proper filtration keeps the water clean and can help avoid unnecessary water waste, making your pool clean and efficient for everyone to enjoy.”

For more information about conserving water or the Preserve Plainview initiative, please call the Plainview Water District at (516) 931-6469, or visit the District’s website, www.plainviewwater.org. Residents are also encouraged to 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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