As part of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association’s (NSWCA) Continuing Education Program, the association, of which Massapequa Water District Commissioner Raymond J. Averna serves as president, recently welcomed District 18 Nassau County Legislator Donald MacKenzie, who updated NSWCA water commissioner members on new government efforts and actions pertaining to Long Island water and local water districts.
Hosted by Carle Place Water District and its commissioners, Lawrence F. Zaino, Peter W. Meade and Timothy E. Stellato, a past NSWCA president, MacKenzie announced at the meeting a new $240,000 contract with the United States Geological Survey (USGS) for a two-year monitoring and study of Long Island’s aquifers and water resources. The USGS data gathered will be used to inform water districts, the public and legislative bodies of actions of potential threats and hazards impacting the day-to-day preservation and conservation of Long Island’s water resources.
MacKenzie also indicated that New York City’s efforts to reopen some two-dozen dormant wells in Jamaica, Queens, had been halted as a direct result of the recently resurrected Water Resources Board’s discovery and review along with Nassau County’s action.
“We are extremely pleased that Legislator MacKenzie addressed NSWCA on these important issues,” said Averna. “As a former elected water commissioner from the Oyster Bay Water District, Donald understands and appreciates what it takes to manage and safeguard our water, our most precious resource. We look forward to more of his input in the future.”
The presentation also included discussion of potential new site proposals for installation of the Long Beach aqua pipe. The meeting concluded
Version 2
with MacKenzie acknowledging that special districts, such as the commissioner-elected water districts, have proven to be an effective, responsive service to the Long Island community.
