Roslyn Water District News Top Stories:
 Report From The Superintendent
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Superintendent Richard
Passariello |
Memo from the Superintendent
This updated Roslyn website illustrates the results that can be achieved by cooperation and coordination with other government agencies.
We have begun a pilot program with the Town of North Hempstead for the purpose of pooling our overall fuel usage for the best possible pricing. We were pleased to be able to work with the Roslyn Historic District Board in replacing the roof on our District Headquarters.
By working in coordination with Nassau County we were able to gain water main improvements along Roslyn Road during the reconstruction of the intersection at Lincoln Avenue and Roundhill Road.
In a similar effort, by coordinating with Nassau County on the Glen Cove Road resurfacing, we were able to make needed improvements and replacements at significantly lower cost than if this had been an isolated project.
Finally, while the Northern Boulevard Bridge reconstruction has had a major impact on the area, improvements in the District water mains, etc. that are on, or in proximity to, the bridge property. These were done at no cost to the District.
We do suggest that water customers continue to use the mails or telephones wherever possible for the duration of this construction.
Everyone is looking forward to a timely conclusion to the bridge construction.
Finally, I thank the Water District staff for their positive attitude and cooperation throughout this difficult period.
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3000 Residents Notified in 10 Minutes
Broken Hydrant Illustrates Value of Collaboration
Between County and RWD
On October 19, a fire hydrant at Harbor Park Drive and West Shore Road was hit by a vehicle. This resulted in a pressure drop at 3:45 PM. The RWD staff successfully shut down the broken hydrant and restored pressure to normal operating levels by 4:30 PM. After consulting with the Nassau County Department of Health, it was decided that an emergency notification was to be sent to those residents falling within the affected area.
Also as a precautionary measure, the District increased the chlorine residual and commenced flushing the affected areas. The Deputy Commissioner, Nassau County Office of Emergency Management arrived to assist in implementing a reverse 911 emergency notification.
This reverse 911 notification took just 10 minutes to accomplish approximately 3000 calls to the potentially affected consumers.
Subsequently, water samples were collected in the affected area and all met statewide water quality standards.
According to Commissioner A. Jack Russo, “This was an excellent example of your local Water District, the Nassau County Health Department and Office of Emergency Management working together with positive results.”
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The Northern Boulevard Viaduct Replacement
 As you have likely noticed work continues on this massive project. During the past three years, the District Commissioners and staff have attended many meetings, hearings, etc. to insure the integrity of the neighboring water mains and that there will be no interruption in water service.
The result is a new entrance, mains, valves, hydrants and more...all in the immediate vicinity of the construction area and all paid for by the NYS Department of Transportation. This has significant long-term value for the district and district residents.
Notice To RWD Customers
As the Roslyn Water District Headquarters is adjacent to the construction area, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter our facility and offices. The Staff and Board recommend that all bill payers should mail their checks rather than try to pay in person. The address is: Roslyn Water District, POB 326, Roslyn, NY 11576-1422.
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Roslyn Water District
Residence Security Recommendations
 Criminals often see Senior Citizens as easy victims, especially when it comes to in-home robberies. Citizens are requested to call the district offices at 621-7770 if they have any questions about Water Service personnel in their area or at their door.
The District Offices know the exact block each District employee is assigned throughout the day, and a simple call can help avoid unwanted visitors or worse. In addition, the office staff has been trained to assist you and the authorities in the identification and description of any uninvited visitors.
Citizens should be aware that all Roslyn Water District vehicles are clearly identified and all employees wear distinctive uniforms with the Roslyn Water District Logo.
Your Nassau Police Department
has provided this list of precautions when answering the door:
- Never automatically open your door, even if you expect a caller
- Do not rely on a chain lock to keep anyone out.
- One-way peepholes are inexpensive and easy to install, simply by drilling a hole through your door.
- If you look out and see a stranger, no matter how familiar or authoritative the uniform looks or how clean cut the caller looks ask that credential be slipped under the door.
- You have the right to refuse to deal with any businessman, serviceman or ‘official’.
- You have the right to check out specifics by telephone while the visitor waits outside.
- If you are not interested – say so, without opening the door.
- Put dead bolt locks on all exterior doors.
- Never hide keys outside – burglars know how to locate hiding places.
- Always lock your doors and windows when you leave.
Automatic Meter Readers – another safety factor
Your Roslyn Water District reminds you that the installation of Automatic Meter Readers eliminates the need for residential access by Water District Employees. Residents who have not received their free installation are encouraged to call the District offices for an appointment. It will probably be the last time that a District employee will need access to your home.
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RWD Staff Receives CPR Refresher Course
Recently many RWD staff members received a refresher course in CPR through a project of the American Heart Association.
Participating in the course were: A. Jack Russo, Richard Passariello, Doug Ford, Barbara Karen, Tom Padrone, Scott McGrath, Steve Wagenblast, Eric Hallquest, and Michael Hahn.
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Roslyn Water District Announces
Agreement with the Town of North Hempstead for Fuel Purchases
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| Roslyn Water District Commissioners during review of fuel purchase agreement. L. to R: William K. Costigan; Chair, A. Jack Russo; and Michael J. Kosinski. |
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A pilot project between the Roslyn Water District and the Town of North Hempstead (TONH) is underway that allows the District to purchase fuel under the umbrella contract and pricing negotiated by TONH. “Fuel costs are volatile and this agreement provides the opportunity to get the best possible volume pricing by combining the overall usage of the Town and the District” according to Commissioner William K. Costigan. The pilot program began in September of this year.
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Settlement Announced in MTBE
Class Action Suit
The Roslyn Water District has received a settlement of $173,182 as a result of its participation in a class action suit with many of America’s leading oil companies over the gasoline additive Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE). The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed by the Roslyn Water District which was consolidated in a federal Multi-District Litigation (MDL) court in New York established to hear MTBE cases nationwide. “The settlement will allow the Roslyn Water District to invest in its water system and help protect the long term viability of our water resources,” said the RWD Board of Commissioners Chair, A. Jack Russo.
Settling Defendants in the case include: BP Amoco, Atlantic Richfield, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Shell, Marathon, Valero, CITGO, Sunoco, Hess, Flint Hills, El Paso Merchant Energy, and Tesoro. These companies – representing approximately 70% of the country’s oil refiners – have agreed to make a cash payment to the Roslyn Water District.
The settlement also requires the Settling Defendants to pay their share of treatment costs for wells owned or operated by the Roslyn Water District that may become contaminated by MTBE in the future, and qualify for treatment over the next 30 years. Conspicuously absent from the settlement is Defendant ExxonMobil. ExxonMobil has refused to settle and faces numerous trials over MTBE. The Roslyn Water District is represented by the New York law firm of Weitz & Luxemberg, PC.
Although trace levels of MTBE were detected in one of our supply wells, at no time did the water exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Department of Health and Nassau County Department of Health standards.
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Tap Water Is A Bargain
 The economy has made everyone more aware of the cost of many everyday items. Here is an idea that can save money and help improve the environment. Drink Tap Water. The quality water RWD provides is fresh, clean and refreshing and costs about one dollar ($1.00) per 1000 gallons. In everyday numbers this means a gallon of water costs about a tenth of a cent ($0.001), a quart costs $0.00025 and a five gallon jug runs just about a half a cent ($0.005). Compare these costs to those of a gallon or quart of bottled water from the store, or a 5 gallon bottle delivered to your business or residence.
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RWD Signs Cooperative Agreement with TONH
The Roslyn Water District has signed a cooperative professional service agreement with the Town of North Hempstead. This provides the opportunity to share the professional services expenses involved in meeting new General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) requirements.
The collaborative agreement will result in considerable savings for RWD and other involved TONH entities.
“We are delighted to work with the Town of North Hempstead on this project and continue to seek additional areas of collaboration in the acquisition of products and services in the most economical manner possible” Said Commissioner A. Jack Russo.
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Participation helps insure adequate Long Island Energy….
Roslyn Water District Receives $8100 from Energy Savings Program
The Roslyn Water District has received $8,100 from its participation in “Operation Save New York”. The District began participating in this last fall. It represents earnings over this past winter.
Operation Save New York is a program run by Energy Curtailment Specialists, Inc. (ECS) whose function is to reduce the area’s electricity usage during high demand periods.
The concept and operation of the program are relatively simple. When the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which oversees the electric grid, declares an electric emergency, they contact ECS. ECS then contacts their participating members, including RWD) informing them that an emergency situation has been declared. The participating member must then reduce its electrical load for a specific period as declared by NYISO.
During these periods, RWD converts to electricity produced by our standby generators, thus becoming independent of LIPA, effectively making additional electricity available for other LIPA customers.
With the participation and cooperation among 12 Long Island water districts, including the Roslyn Water District, 10 megawatts of power can be shed and made available to LIPA. This is enough electricity to power some 10,000 homes.
ECS provides remuneration to participating organizations for cooperation including the recently received $8100 paid to RWD.
Overall, everyone is a winner with this program. The District is well compensated, the residents continue to receive uninterrupted power and the integrity of the Grid is maintained.
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Roslyn Water District and Your Water Supply…
The Quality and the Cost
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| L. to R: William K. Costigan; Chair, A. Jack Russo; and Michael J. Kosinski. |
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The facts regarding the efficiency of the Roslyn Water District are pretty clear when you review these two charts. The Roslyn Water District’s share of a typical tax bill is less than 1.6%. Moreover, in 2007, the District implemented its first rate increase in over 15 years. Thus the cost of water service is determinedfrom tax revenues plus metered water sales.
The financial control and oversight of the Roslyn Water District is in the hands of three local, and locally elected Commissioners. Each lives within the District.
• Local Control
• Local Contacts
• Local Supervision
• 1.6% of your total tax bill
• Identifiable Cost…Water and only Water.
The District is proud to be one of the real values on your tax bill… and you know exactly what your water tax pays… the cost of providing an adequate supply of quality water.
For almost 100 years Roslyn Water District has provided this service. Continuing to be able to make that statement is our primary focus. Equally important for the District and our customers is the fact that we provide this quality water economically and with fast reaction times to protect your water supply.
As you can see from these charts, whether you are comparing your water costs to your other utilities or other taxes, the cost of supporting these efforts are reasonable.
This fact is emphasized when you consider the District must be prepared to deliver up to 8 million gallons on any given summer day… and maintain the 90 miles of water pipe that delivers this quality water to your home 24/7.
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New Utility Truck:
A Complete Workshop On Wheels
 This new acquisition by the District provides service personnel with a workshop on wheels. It has the supplies and equipment necessary for most repairs, eliminating the need to inspect the problem and return to the garage for materials and equipment.
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Chlorination
Your district office is often asked why we are adding chlorine to our water supply. Chlorination is mandated by the Nassau County Health Department to insure that all water supplies are protected from their source to your residence. This protection is utilized by the majority of water suppliers throughout the United States.
The Roslyn Water District carefully controls and monitors the level of chlorine introduced to the water supply but on occasion, you may detect a slight chlorine odor. This is usually found when a faucet has not been used for several hours (ie: Overnight). Simply let the water run for a minute or two and the detected odor should dissipate.
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Security Matters
Disaster Preparation
The district's emergency response plan and vulnerability assessment have been documented and are designed to assure a continuous supply of quality water in the event of an emergency.
Emergencies come in many forms...rainstorms, snow/ice storms, earthquakes, fires, man-made and other events. We must be prepared for the full variety of possible situations.
You can help: if you see something, say something!
In addition, the District requests that all residents who border well stations, or other water district properties, report any unusual or suspicious activity. While there have been no direct threats against our most precious resource, we are including this aspect as another way of ensuring the security of our water.
Residents should be aware that all entries to plants by the Water District are with vehicles plainly marked "Roslyn Water District". All RWD employees have distinct uniforms and identification badges. Any suspicious activity should be reported promptly to the Nassau County Police emergency line 911. If you have any questions, please contact the Roslyn Water District at 516-621-7770.
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