Construction at Plant 8 has been progressing nicely. The newly installed AOP (Advanced Oxidation Process) and GAC (Granular Activated Carbon) Vessels are the newest cutting edge technology used to remove 1,4 Dioxane and PFOA/S. We anticipate Plant 8 being operational for the 2023 pumping season!

     

(11/23/2022)                                                           (2/9/2023)

Left to right: Kelley Dearing Smith, Public Affairs Council Chair AWWA;
Joseph Renta, Supervisor of Water Plant Operations GCPWD;
Brian Sibiga, PE, NYSAWWA Chair.

Joseph Renta, Supervisor of Water Plant Operations, Garden City Park Water District, took home the prestigious AWWA Operator’s Meritorious Service Award at the American Water Work Association’s Annual Conference – New York Section in Saratoga Springs this past April. The award is presented to only one operator, recognized at the section level for:

• Continuous compliance with all public health standards in treated drinking water
• Consistent outstanding contribution to plant maintenance
• Special efforts in the training of plant operators
• Demonstration of dedication to the public beyond operating responsibilities

Joseph began his career with GCPWD in 1988 as a water servicer, becoming plant operator in 2008 and moving his way up the ranks to supervisor by 2016.

Congratulations, Joe!

The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) recently adopted a drinking water regulation that requires all public water systems to provide treatment for PFOA, PFOS and 1,4-dioxane. Taking a proactive stance, Garden City Park Water District (GCPWD) began taking steps to evaluate advanced water treatment technologies to address emerging contaminants beginning in mid-2018, well before the new standards were put in place.

Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) is the most technologically advanced treatment process and a proven solution that removes the compounds from drinking water. Construction of AOP reactors at Well 9 began in fall 2019, and at Well 6 in February 2020. Completion has made the wells compliant with New York State’s 1,4-dioxane regulations of a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 1 part per billion; and for PFOA and PFOS at 10 parts per trillion.

All well sites throughout the District have Granular Activated Carbon (GAC), which removes certain chemicals, mostly organic, from water. Just 10 grams of granulated activated carbon (less than a third of an ounce), has a surface area equal to a standard NFL football field. That porosity is why GAC is ideal for eliminating emerging contaminants in water and that’s also why GCPWD has implemented this technology throughout the District.

“We have some of the most sophisticated water technology in the region,” said Commissioner Kenneth Borchers. “We brought our facilities up to the latest standards with the most advanced, state-of-the-art technology. By staying ahead of the curve, we were well prepared to meet the new standards before they were ever released.”

The Garden City Park Water District currently meets all requirements and is no longer in need of a deferral.

The New Norm. GCPWD employees Joe Renta (L) and Chris Tobin getting ready for the work day.

The impact of COVID-19 has created a seismic impact on each of our lives. While it is impossible to predict what the world will look like as we continue to fight through this pandemic, we at the Garden City Park Water District continue to provide the essential service of delivering an uninterrupted water supply to our customers throughout the District, and our water continues to be in compliance with all federal, New York State and Nassau County regulations.

“While our offices remain closed to the general public to protect the health and safety of our staff and customers, we continue to work and adhere to the conditions and mandates of the state of emergency,” stated Water Commissioner Peter Chimenti. The District has taken numerous precautionary measures to protect the health of all personnel, including the enforcement of social distancing and the use of masks and gloves. Chimenti added, “Our offices are cleaned and disinfected daily, as well the District fleet of vehicles.”

It’s important to inform you that our water supply remains unaffected by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization have confirmed that the COVID-19 virus is not waterborne and that the standard disinfection done by water suppliers as regular practices are an effective method for inactivating the COVID-19 virus.

Increased Revenue Will Fund Various Infrastructure Upgrades to Improve Water Quality and Distribution System Resiliency

The Garden City Park Water District would like to notify its customers that a rate adjustment will be implemented beginning the 4th billing quarter of 2019. The additional revenue will help the District pay for past, current and future infrastructure projects needed to ensure the health and safety of the water supply. The rate adjustment also means the District will remain within the two percent tax cap.

The District works continuously to provide residents of our community with the highest quality water at the lowest possible cost. The costs of running a water district continue to climb as we are met with increased operational challenges and more stringent testing parameters. We are always working to maximize efficiencies, identifying areas for cost savings while maintaining our unwavering commitment to the health and safety of our water supply and distribution system.

A thorough review of the present water rate structure and property taxes with respect to the fiscal needs of the District was conducted to determine the amount of revenue needed to make ends meet. In order to remain within the two percent tax cap and maintain a high level of service and reliability in regards to the critical drinking water infrastructure, an increase to water rates was necessary. Below, you will find a three year step program:

Year 1

Residential: 2019

  • Minimum quarterly bill (up to 10 thousand gallons): New rate $14
  • $1.90 per thousand gallons after initial 10 thousand gallons

Commercial: 2019

  • Minimum quarterly bill (up to 20 thousand gallons): New rate $50
  • $2.50 per thousand gallons after initial 20 thousand gallons

Year 2

Residential: 2020

  • Minimum quarterly bill (up to 10 thousand gallons): New rate $16
  • $2.20 per thousand gallons after initial 10 thousand gallons

Commercial: 2020

  • Minimum quarterly bill (up to 20 thousand gallons): New rate $55
  • $2.75 per thousand gallons after initial 20 thousand gallons

Year 3

Residential: 2021

  • Minimum quarterly bill (up to 10 thousand gallons): New rate $18
  • $2.50 per thousand gallons after initial 10 thousand gallons

Commercial: 2021

  • Minimum quarterly bill (up to 10 thousand gallons): New rate $60
  • $3.00 per thousand gallons after initial 20 thousand gallons

 

The new rate structure will take effect on the 4th quarter bill received by all customers. The following schedule shows when your increase will take effect:

  • Accounts beginning with 01, 02, 03 and 04 will see increase on October, 2019 bill
  • Accounts beginning with 05, 06, 07 and 08 will see increase on November, 2019 bill
  • Accounts beginning with 09, 10, 11 and 12 will see increase on December, 2019 bill

We are always striving to cut costs where appropriate and maximize economies of scale, but the rising costs for infrastructure and operations are simply outpacing our ability to reduce spending. Maintaining old and building new infrastructure on top of the costs of each year is not cheap. However, we are thankful our residents understand these increasing challenges and continue to support our effort to supply the Garden City Park Water District community with a safe and reliable water system.

Sincerely,

Garden City Park Water/Fire District