South Farmingdale Water District (SFWD) has appointed Charlie Prucha as its new Superintendent. Prucha was awarded the position based on his experience with the district, where he amassed a comprehensive knowledge of the operations, plans and personnel over the past 30 years.

Prior to this appointment, he was named general foreman in 2003 with the duty of overseeing all pump operations, meter readings, repairs, water sampling, restoration and general maintenance.

He started his career in 1978 as a water plant operator trainee, learning operational fundamentals by performing routine maintenance duties. In 1983, he earned his New York State 2A Pump Operators License, which paved the way for his promotion to Water Plant Servicer and later, Water Plant Operator in 1991. Prucha has also attained New York State's highest operators license, a 1A-SW/GUI Water Systems Operator's License.

"Our mission is to serve our customers with the highest level of integrity and value...and we believe that nobody does it better than a neighborhood water district," added Prucha. "Equally important is the leadership role we play in promoting water conservation, which comes through education and awareness. We also make sure our equipment is in tip-top shape, and we embrace new technology as it's made available."

Prucha is a firm believer in simple and direct solutions, and points out that most issues are resolved quickly. "The beauty of local water supply control is that we can address any customer issue immediately, with minimal bureaucracy and red tape," he says. Prucha also comments on District employees' community involvement, "Most employees reside in the district and are very active in other community activities. In fact, all three SFWD water commissioners are volunteer firemen."

Born in Elmhurst, Queens, Prucha moved to Uniondale at age 4, then to Farmingdale in 1975. He now resides in Lindenhurst with his wife Margaret, and two daughters, Kimberley Dawn, 16, and Jessica Marie, 14.