District Prepared to Respond Around the Clock to Water Main Emergencies

As winter weather continues across Long Island, the Plainview Water District (PWD) is reminding residents that colder temperatures can increase the likelihood of water main breaks. Throughout the winter season, the District’s experienced crews remain on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to respond quickly to emergencies and maintain reliable water service for the community.

“Our staff is prepared year-round, but winter presents unique challenges that require constant vigilance,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “Having crews available at all hours allows us to respond immediately when a problem arises, limit the affected area and restore service as quickly as possible. That level of preparedness is something our residents can rely on.”

Water main breaks are more common during periods of freezing and thawing, when shifting soil places added stress on underground pipes. While water mains are installed below the frost line, changes in ground conditions can still cause cracks or failures. PWD’s trained personnel are equipped with the tools, materials and expertise needed to address these situations efficiently, often restoring service before many residents are aware an issue occurred.

In many cases, early reporting from residents plays a key role in minimizing the impact of a water main break. Visible signs may include water pooling along the curb, bubbling in the roadway, or icy conditions forming without an obvious cause. Prompt notification allows crews to investigate and take action before conditions worsen.

“Community awareness is an important part of our response process,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “When residents report unusual conditions right away, it helps us pinpoint issues faster and reduce potential service disruptions. We strongly encourage residents to contact the District as soon as they notice anything out of the ordinary.”

Following a water main repair, some residents may experience temporary changes such as air in their pipes or slight discoloration. These conditions typically resolve on their own. Residents are advised to run cold water from a faucet closest to where the water service enters the home for several minutes until it clears. The District remains available to answer questions or address concerns during and after repairs.

“The District’s priority during winter weather events is maintaining dependable service while keeping repairs efficient and orderly,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “Our crews work under challenging conditions to ensure the system continues to operate as it should, and we appreciate the patience and cooperation of our residents during these necessary repairs.”

The Plainview Water District asks residents who observe possible signs of a water main break such as persistent wet areas, bubbling water, or unexplained ice to contact the District immediately at 516-931-6469.

For questions about winter water service, preparing household plumbing for cold weather, or general District inquiries, residents may call 516-931-6469 or email info@plainviewwater.org. Customers are also encouraged to sign up for District updates at www.plainviewwater.org and follow the Plainview Water District on Facebook at www.facebook.com/plainviewwater.

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The Plainview Water District (PWD) recently held its swearing-in ceremony to mark the re-election of Commissioner Michael Chad, who has begun his second three-year term on the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Chad, a long-time Plainview resident, was re-elected following a successful first term focused on fiscal responsibility, operational excellence and continued delivery of high-quality water to the Plainview-Old Bethpage community.

“I am incredibly grateful to the residents of Plainview-Old Bethpage for placing their trust in me once again,” said Commissioner Chad. “Serving this community over the past three years has been an honor, and I am excited to continue the important work we’ve accomplished together—strengthening our infrastructure, planning responsibly for the future, and ensuring our residents receive the highest quality water possible.”

During his second term, Commissioner Chad will continue working alongside fellow commissioners Marc Laykind and Andrew Bader, as well as the District’s dedicated staff, to advance critical infrastructure projects, maintain strong financial stewardship, and uphold the District’s long-standing commitment to reliable service and water quality.

Commissioner Chad has been an accountant in private practice since 1988, after earning his BA in Accounting from the City University of New York’s Brooklyn College. His professional expertise spans all areas of general accounting, with a concentration in corporate and personal income tax planning. A resident of Plainview since 1994, Commissioner Chad raised his two children in the community and continues to reside in Plainview with his wife.

“Michael’s leadership, financial insight and dedication to the District have been invaluable during his first term,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “His re-election reflects the confidence our community has in his ability to help guide the District forward, and we look forward to continuing our work together as we build on the progress we’ve made.”

In addition to his service with the Plainview Water District, Commissioner Chad has remained actively involved in the community. Since 2014, he has held several leadership roles within the Plainview-Old Bethpage Chamber of Commerce, including Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors. He is also a long-time member of the Plainview Jewish Center and serves on the Board of Directors of the Men’s Club.

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Help Keep POB Fire Hydrants Accessible for Emergency Responders

With winter weather officially here and snow in the forecast, the Plainview Water District (PWD) is once again encouraging residents to take part in its annual “Adopt-A-Hydrant” initiative. By keeping neighborhood fire hydrants clear of snow, ice and other debris, community members can play an important role in supporting first responders and helping protect lives and property during emergencies.

“As we move through the winter months, we’re asking residents and business owners to take a few minutes after each snowfall to clear the hydrant nearest their home or office,” said PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “When snow piles up, it can make it difficult for firefighters to quickly locate and access hydrants during an emergency. Keeping them visible and accessible can make all the difference when every second counts.”

The District encourages residents to “adopt” a hydrant in their neighborhood by committing to clear a three-foot radius around it following any significant snowfall. This allows emergency personnel to connect equipment quickly and safely. Residents should also ensure hydrants remain visible from the street and report any damage or accessibility issues to the District.

“As storms move through Long Island, hydrants can quickly become buried or blocked by plowed snow,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Taking responsibility for just one hydrant helps strengthen our community’s emergency readiness. It’s a small but incredibly effective way for residents to support the fire department and look out for their neighbors.”

To further promote the initiative, the District encourages families, students and neighbors to participate and help raise awareness about hydrant care. Keeping hydrants accessible is a simple winter task that children and families can do together while also learning about community responsibility and emergency preparedness.

“Hydrants are a critical resource during a fire emergency, and accessibility can directly influence response times,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “We’re grateful for the many residents who already make this part of their routine, and we encourage everyone to stay mindful throughout the winter. Even one cleared hydrant can make a meaningful difference.”

Residents are also asked to assist neighbors who may be unable to maintain their hydrants on their own, such as older adults, those with mobility challenges, or residents who spend the winter months away. This extra support helps ensure hydrants across the entire Plainview-Old Bethpage community remain unobstructed and ready for use.

The Plainview Water District extends its appreciation to residents who continually contribute their time and effort to community safety initiatives. The District will continue to share reminders throughout the winter season to help keep POB prepared for severe weather and unexpected emergencies.

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 Long Island Press on January 23, 2026.

Plant 5’s New Year-Round Treatment Facility on Haypath Road to Bolster PWD’s Capacity and Emerging Contaminant Treatment

The Plainview Water District (PWD) has begun construction on a major water treatment project at its Plant 5 facility on Haypath Road. Plant 5 is the District’s largest water production site, housing four wells capable of producing up to eight million gallons of water per day. The upcoming improvements focus on treating 1,4-dioxane and perfluorinated compounds and will transform this site into a fully operational, year-round treatment facility.

“We are incredibly proud of the progress being made at Plant 5, as this project represents the single most significant investment in the future reliability and quality of our drinking water,” said PWD Commissioner Marc Laykind. “This facility is the pillar of our operations and ensuring it is equipped with advanced treatment technology is essential to meeting the long-term needs of the POB community.”

To support the District’s capacity needs during the high-demand summer months, PWD has been operating an interim treatment facility at Plant 5 consisting of both the Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) and Granular Activated Carbon (GAC). This temporary system enabled one of the wells to remain in service while full-scale design and health department review progressed. PWD secured approvals from both the New York State and Nassau County Health Departments, advanced the project through the public bidding process and, following the award of the contract, began construction on the permanent facility. Once complete, this plant site will have AOP, GAC and packed-tower aeration treatment on all four of its supply wells.

“Our team’s focus on long-lasting infrastructure improvements ensures that Plant 5 will continue to serve the community for decades to come,” said PWD Commissioner Andrew Bader. “This project is another example of our commitment to planning ahead and making the necessary investments to support water reliability throughout Plainview and Old Bethpage.”

In August 2020, the New York State Health Department finalized regulations establishing maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for 1,4-dioxane, PFOA, and PFOS. New York became the first state in the nation with an enforceable MCL for 1,4-dioxane. To stay ahead of the compliance curve, the District launched an aggressive capital improvement plan that included major investments at Plant 5 and other facility locations to meet the new regulatory standards.

“This facility plays an essential role in our ability to meet the community’s daily water needs, and these upgrades will solidify its place within our long-term treatment strategy,” said PWD Commissioner Michael Chad. “Our engineers and staff have worked diligently to move this project forward, and we look forward to bringing the permanent facility online once construction is complete.”

The Plainview Water District is recognized regionally for its leadership in emerging contaminant treatment. The District has also been very successful at securing more than $34 million in grant funding for emerging contaminant treatment construction, including $13.8 million to specifically support Plant 5’s upgrades.                         

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 on January 2, 2025

As seen on the Long Island Press on 12.23.25