Category: News & Press Releases

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Even with widespread power outages caused by Tropical Storm Isaias, the water in Plainview never stopped flowing

Plainview, N.Y. (September 15, 2020)—The impacts of our region’s hurricane season varies from year to year, but with the impacts already experienced by Tropical Storm Isaias, the Plainview Water District is prepared for any extreme weather event allowing the community to experience zero water service interruptions. Due to the District’s planning and extensive precautionary measures, the community’s drinking water remains protected and never stops flowing, even with widespread and lengthy periods of time without power.

“The District has taken many short-term and long-term planning measures over the past several years that have prepared us to handle any severe weather event,” said Board Chairman Marc Laykind. “We realize that the last thing our residents need in a severe weather event is for their water to stop running. This is why we have taken every proactive action necessary to ensure our community always has access to high-quality drinking water.”

In the event of a power outage, the Plainview Water District has its own emergency electrical generator facilities, which are consistently maintained and always on standby to keep water flowing in case of a severe weather event. These generators keep pumps and treatment facilities online without interruption during a severe weather event. In addition, District staff members are well trained to utilize all emergency equipment as well as handle a diverse list of emergency situations, including the recent tropical storm.

“In the case of any severe weather event, our facilities and staff are prepared to act swiftly around the clock,” added Commissioner Andrew Bader. “Our response plan, which includes the mobilization of emergency response teams, water testing laboratories and water main repair contractors, are always on standby so they can be implemented within a moment’s notice.”

The District is also a member of New York’s statewide Water/Wastewater Agency Response Network (NYWARN) of utilities that supports and promotes statewide emergency preparedness, 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.

“Even though our systems rely on electricity to operate, we do not put all of our eggs in the power company’s basket,” said PWD Commissioner Amanda Field. “When needed, like in event where power outages are widespread throughout the region, we can be completely self-sufficient. This is the type of service our residents have come to expect, and frankly, the type of service they deserve.”

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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Dear Long Island residents,

Foremost, we hope that everyone is staying safe and abiding by all health recommendations from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. While this COVID-19 outbreak has changed much of our daily lives, it will not hinder our unbreakable spirit to better serve the communities we love.

Responsible for delivering high-quality drinking water to more than 3.5 million residents in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the membership of both the Long Island Water Conference (LIWC) and Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association (NSWCA) reassures every Long Islander that your drinking water is and will remain unaffected by the COVID-19 outbreak. There is no need to be stocking up and hoarding bottled water.

Aside from standard treatment measures that would inactivate the virus (there are no known COVID-19 detections in any water source throughout the globe), our organizations have worked in lockstep with one another to quickly put in place necessary precautions to promote the health and safety of our residents and employees. Water providers across Long Island implemented temporary policies that closed public facing facilities and restricted the entry of employees to a resident’s home for anything other than an absolute emergency. We rearranged work schedules to better promote social distancing and have isolated key water plant operators to the greatest extent possible. The communication within our industry has been constant since the start of the outbreak to ensure that every water supplier has the personnel, equipment and supplies to see them through this situation now and into the future.

Like doctors, nurses, EMS personnel, police officers and firefighters, employees of water providers are essential and we do not have the luxury of staying away from the field. Regardless of the situation, well pumps and treatment facilities need to be checked daily, water samples from the distribution systems are routinely gathered to ensure quality and water main breaks must be fixed expeditiously to minimize service impacts. Regardless of what stops in the world around us, we must continue marching as every single person relies on us completing our daily tasks.

To the men and women of the water industry who continue to show up regardless of the situation and provide Long Islanders the stability of an uninterrupted supply of water in these uncertain times, thank you. Your efforts, professionalism and dedication to the invaluable roll you play in our society is very much appreciated. Time and time again you have proven that there is no situation or emergency we aren’t prepared to handle.

Sincerely,

Richard Passariello, Chairman, Long Island Water Conference

William Schuckmann, Chairman, Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners Association

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Out of an abundance of caution and in the spirit of protecting public health, effective immediately the Plainview Water District will not be accepting payments inside of the District office in any form. Additionally, the office will be closed to the public until further notice.

Please be advised the payment drop box immediately outside of the entry door is available for you to remit payment. We encourage you to utilize other methods of payment such as postal mail, online payments, or enrolling in automatic bill payments.

Please feel free to contact us at 516-931-6469 if you have any questions.

We thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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As Seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – January 29 – February 4, 2020

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – January 22 – 28, 2020

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As Seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – January 15 – 21, 2020

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Several talented students at the Plainview-Old Bethpage High School created this video explaining the journey of a drop of water. Watch the video!

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – December 11 – 17, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – November 27 – December 3, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald November 20 – 26, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald – November 6 – 12, 2019

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The Plainview Water District (PWD) is requesting a $25.8 million bond to fund infrastructure projects for the treatment of 1,4-dioxane. The bond hearing is being held at the Town of Oyster Bay town hall Tuesday 11/19 at 10am.

The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is expected to regulate 1,4-dioxane in the near future. The PWD has been planning for treatment ahead of regulations. The Drinking Water Council, appointed by the Governor Cuomo, recommended a maximum level of 1 part-per-billion for 1,4-dioxane and the NYSDOH Commissioner accepted those recommendations. Since this is a new treatment process, pilot studies are required by State and Local Health Departments at each individual water plant site and the District has completed four such pilots at water plants in recent months.  The District agrees with the need for treatment and the District has urged NYSDOH for the time needed to build effective treatment. The District is also involved in litigation to hold polluters responsible for costs incurred for these projects.

This $25.8 million dollar bond is necessary now to provide the PWD with funding that will enable us continue to deliver the highest quality of water to all of our customers.

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  • Saturday October 19th 10:00am to 1:00pm
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As seen in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald August 14 – 20, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald August 7 – 13, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald July 24 – July 30, 2019

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As Seen in the Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald June 26 – July 2, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – May 22 – 28, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – May 15 – 21, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – May 1 – 7, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald – April 24 – 30, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald April 17 – 23, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald March 13 – 19, 2019

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As seen in The Plainview Old – Bethpage Herald January 30 – February 5, 2019

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Plainview Water District receives $373,000.00 Grant for essential infrastructure upgrades

As seen in The Plainview Old – Bethpage Herald January 23 – 29

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1,4 – Dioxane Update

As seen in The Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald January 16 – 22, 2019

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Plainview Water District collects Toys and Coats for charitable organizations

As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald January 9 – 15, 2019

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As seen in the Plainview – Old Bethpage Herald November 14 – 20, 2018

More than 200 pounds of unused drugs were properly disposed of during this event to help maintain the quality of water for our customers.

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald November 7 – 13, 2018

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Thank you to all who attended our 90th Anniversary celebration at the Plainview Library on October 3rd. It was a memorable evening as we were joined by many members of the Plainview Old Bethpage community, as well as a number of our local elected officials.

Many historical photos and documentation from the District are currently on display at the library through October 14th. The Plainview Library is located at 999 Old Country Road, Plainview.

Click on the photo below to view gallery from the October 3rd event.

90th Anniversary Community Event
(9 images)

 

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald September 26 – October 2, 2018

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald August 8 – 14, 2018

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald August 1 – 7, 2018

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald June 27 – July 3, 2018

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald June 20 – 26, 2018

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald May 16 – 22, 2018

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As seen in Plainview-Old Bethpage Herald May 9 – 15, 2018

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD.

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD March 14 – 20, 2018.

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD February 14 – 20, 2018.

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD January 24 – 30, 2018

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District applies for a Stony Brook University pilot grant program that aims to remove the synthetic compound from Long Island

The Plainview Water District, in partnership with the Bethpage and Greenlawn water districts, announced today that it has submitted a joint proposal for the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology (CCWT) at Stony Brook University’s Pilot Grant Program: Removal of 1,4-Dioxane from Long Island’s Drinking Water. Although, the Plainview Water District reports far lower levels of 1,4-Dioxane than the New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) group maximum contaminant level (MCL) for unregulated chemicals including 1,4-Dioxane, the District has proactively partnered with its neighboring water districts to take advantage of the support that the CCWT’s pilot program provides.

“There is currently no MCL standard or approved treatment method to remove 1,4-Dioxane from our water.” said Plainview Water District Board Chairman Marc Laykind. “This pilot study will enable a matrix-style evaluation tool to compare the treatment effectiveness of a variety of Advanced Oxidation Processes under varying, key water quality parameters. We are excited to join alongside our colleagues in submitting this proposal as the first of many steps to ensure the quality of our water.”

“It’s important to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to treating contaminants such as 1,4-Dioxane,” said Bethpage Water District Superintendent Michael Boufis. “Together with the Plainview and Greenlawn water districts, we put together a strong application for this pilot program and made a compelling case to show why we are collectively the right water providers to partner with on this initiative. We are hopeful we will be granted the opportunity to shape the future of treating 1,4-Dioxane.”

“With so much attention being paid to 1,4-Dioxane, we appreciate the opportunity Stony Brook University has created and the efforts being made to further analyze the path for treating this contaminant,” said Greenlawn Water District Superintendent Bob Santoriello. “Through this collaborative partnership with Plainview and Bethpage water districts, we are hopeful our grant application is approved and we can get to work studying the important components of treating 1,4-Dioxane.”

With the high probability that New York State will be establishing a state-wide drinking water standard specific to 1,4-Dioxane, it is essential that public water suppliers on Long Island find a cost-effective treatment system for this contaminant that is not readily removed, if at all, by traditional treatment methods that Long Island water suppliers currently employ. A significant amount of research and development must be completed within a very short period of time. This is a challenge that the Plainview Water District and its partners are committed in helping achieve. Working together in submitting this proposal for the CCWT grant is a needed step toward ensuring high quality drinking water.

“Programs such as the CCWT’s pilot program are necessary to propel the industry forward and find meaningful, lasting solutions to these types of contaminants,” said Plainview Water District Commissioner Amanda Field. “We are excited to be one of the leaders in this endeavor and introduce a new form of water treatment technology to Long Island that will help shape and improve the future of our drinking water.

“We are always looking for ways to improve services and the quality of our water while simultaneously reducing costs,” stated Superintendent Stephen Moriarty, P.E. “The application we submitted is a grant-based program and there will be no added costs to the District other than providing samples from our wells for testing.”

The Plainview Water District has always taken a proactive approach to testing and reporting on potential emerging contaminants, and 1,4-Dioxane is no exception. The District volunteered to conduct a repeat sampling of Long Island drinking water since initial testing in 2014 and found levels of 1,4-Dioxane to be significantly lower than the NYSDOH Unspecified Organic Contaminant standard.

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic chemical used as a solvent and a chlorinated solvent stabilizer for industrial chemicals. It is used in a variety of applications such as inks and adhesives. Its presence extends far beyond drinking water and is very pervasive in everyday household products at much higher levels, including cosmetics, shampoos, detergents, and deodorants. There is currently no chemical-specific Federal or New York State drinking water standard for 1,4-Dioxane.

Plainview Water District will continue to monitor this topic. Please check back for updates.

 January 24, 2018 Plainview-Old Bethpage Article: Push for Clean Water

 

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Using This Information Can Help Prevent the Headaches Caused by Frozen Pipes

The Plainview Water District (PWD) would like to inform its customers of some simple tips to follow in an effort to better prepare water systems for the colder months. Water systems, when left exposed to the elements, can become very susceptible to breaks and leaks as temperatures begin to drop. PWD residents are encouraged to take advantage of these cold weather tips and help protect their homes from unwanted disruptions or damages caused by frozen pipes.

“It is very important for every customer to properly prepare the water systems in their home for the colder, winter months,” stated PWD Chairman Marc Laykind. “By following these few simple steps, you can save yourself the headache, frustration and expense of repairs caused by damaged pipes.”

Indoor Maintenance Before Colder Weather Arrives:

If a customer’s water service is in the boiler room or basement, check the area for broken windows or drafts. Brisk winds and freezing temperatures can cause pipes and water meters to freeze or break. In preparation, locate the main water shutoff valve in your home in case of an emergency and make sure pipes in unheated areas—like crawl spaces—are properly insulated.

It is also advised that all customers clearly label the main water shutoff valve in their home so they are prepared in the event of a water leak emergency. Shutoff valves are typically located where the water service enters the house through the foundation.

Outdoor Water Systems:

Don’t forget to turn off those hose spigots from inside the house and leave the outside valves open to prevent freezing. This allows any trapped water to expand in freezing temperatures and prevents pipes from bursting. Disconnect and drain all hoses and keep in a warm, dry place for reuse in the spring. Check your water meter pit covers and make sure they are bolted tightly in place and secured.

Sprinkler Systems:

Sprinkler systems should be drained and turned off to prevent possible leaks and damage to the system. Leaks in sprinkler systems caused by burst pipes can be hard to identify when the systems return back on line, leading to increased water usage and inefficient functionality.

Water Lines Leading to Unheated Structures:

Be sure to shut off and drain service lines leading the unheated structures until spring to prevent breaks.

Keep Fire Hydrants Clear:

Lastly, be a good neighbor this winter during any snowstorms and clear a path to your nearest fire hydrant. In the event of a fire, precious time is lost when firefighters have to locate and shovel out fire hydrants.

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.

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD November 29 – December 5, 2017

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As seen on NBC 4 New York

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As seen in NEWSDAY November 26, 2017. Read online here.

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD October 18 – 24, 2017

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD October 11 – 17, 2017

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As seen in NEWSDAY October 15, 2017

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD October 6 – 12, 2017

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD October 4 – 10, 2017

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As seen in PLAINVIEW-OLD BETHPAGE HERALD September 13 – 19, 2017

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As seen on Fios1

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As seen on Fios1

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As seen on Fios1