Continuously seeking to improve its already strong relationship with the residents of Plainview and Old Bethpage, the board of commissioners of the Plainview Water District recently announced the launching of the district's website, www.plainviewwater.org. The main goal of the website is to make information pertaining to the Plainview Water District available to the public, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visitors to the water district's site can access information that will help answer most questions regarding the water district and the water supply. With a simple click of the mouse, visitors can discover historical facts about the water district, including that the district was established in 1928, or review water quality reports from the past several years. Residents can also read up on conservation tips or learn about water district rates. In the future, according to Commissioner Edward Shulroff, customers will be able to monitor their individual water usage and check past and present bill statements.

"The Internet is an exceptional resource tool, so it made perfect sense for us to launch a website with pertinent information for our residents to obtain whenever they wanted," stated Commissioner Shulroff. "The site as it is presently constructed is in its infancy. Eventually, we hope to make the site more interactive and aesthetically pleasing."

As a homeowner faced with tremendous financial obligations, the last thing you want to see is a high water bill. Plainview Water District Commissioners Edward Shulroff, Kevin Langberg and Joel Kessler have a suggestion that should help you maintain and in some cases even reduce your water costs. The best way to save money on your water bill is to use water-efficient home plumbing products, including aerated showerheads, energy-efficient washing machines and 1.6 gallon-per-flush toilets.

According to Commissioner Shulroff, along with potentially lowering water costs in the home, using these products will also alleviate pressure on the local water supplier. This is an extremely important factor to be mindful of, especially in a densely populated region like Long Island. A recent report by the American Water Works Association claims that water-efficient plumbing across the nation would decrease the amount of water used by 3.5 billion gallons per day.

"As members of the community, my fellow commissioners and I are always approached by residents wondering what they can do to save money and conserve water," stated Commissioner Shulroff. "We consistently tell them that the best way to lower costs and lower water usage is to make sure water-efficient plumbing is installed in their homes."

The report released by AWWA also projected that reducing the amount of water reduced by 3.5 billion gallons per day would result in smaller operating and maintenance costs at local water utilities. When you combine the water reduction with energy savings from conservation, communities could save approximately $127 per person by the year 2020.

Recently, an Elmont couple's home was burglarized when two men approached their home impersonating water utility personnel. The two suspects, attired in uniforms, claimed that they were at the home to service the couple's water meter. While one of the men was in the basement with the couple pretending to inspect the meter, the other person was upstairs ransacking the couple's valuables.

Upon hearing this story, Plainview Water District Commissioners Edward Shulroff, Kevin Langberg and Joel Kessler wish to remind Plainview-Old Bethpage residents that all Plainview Water District personnel carry photo identification cards, which residents should ask to see prior to allowing them access to their residence. The water district participates in the Nassau County Police Department's "Crimes Against the Elderly" program. If you suspect that an individual is an imposter utility worker, you should contact the water district's customer service department in order to verify the individual's identity. Water district customer service representatives are trained to recognize the identities of its employees and can confirm their assigned work locations.

Last August, members of the Nassau County Police Department (NCPD) met with employees of the Plainview Water District in an effort to increase protection for Plainview residents. The NCPD was on hand to train all employees in assisting consumers who have concerns about the legitimacy of service people who appear at their doors.

"Incidents like the one in Elmont can be prevented by quick thinking residents who remember to protect their best interest by following the simple step of double-checking the identification of everyone who comes to their home," said Commissioner Shulroff. "Residents should be mindful that it is unusual for service people to arrive without an appointment. All Plainview Water District service people are required to carry ID cards. If someone approaches your home claiming to be a water district service provider yet they cannot produce an ID card, shows up without an appointment, and/or does not drive a utility truck, please contact the water district immediately and ask to speak with a manager, who will then verify if that person is a water district employee."