The Plainview Water District recently recognized Carol and Lance Meschkow of the Concerned Citizens of the Plainview Old Bethpage Community and presented them with a citation for rendering significant contributions to the Plainview-Old Bethpage community.

For the past several years, the Plainview Water District has led the battle to ban the use of MTBE in automotive gasoline that has finally come to pass in New York State in January 2004. MTBE is a gasoline additive, which is non-biodegradable, has a propensity to travel far into the aquifer system and is soluble in water. MTBE is a documented threat to the sole-source of drinking water for 3.3 million Long Island residents in addition to water supply sources in all 62 New York counties. More than 130 public water supply wells in Nassau and Suffolk counties have been contaminated with MTBE. Nearly 100 additional public supply wells have been contaminated elsewhere in New York. Supply wells or reservoirs polluted with MTBE can require treatment systems

The Plainview Water District greatly appreciates Carol and Lance Meschkow who have dedicated their time to ensuring the safety of the community's drinking water and the protection of the environment. They have diligently fought for a consumer-friendly, sound energy bill, which protects residents from harmful MTBEs.

"The Plainview Water District is proud of the work that Carol and Lance Meschkow through Concerned Citizens of the Plainview Old Bethpage Community have accomplished for the community, by helping to reliably provide safe, clean water to our customers. Their efforts have earned them recognition for a lifetime commitment of championing environmental protection," added Commissioner of the Plainview Water District Edward Shulroff.