|
A Message From The President
Steve Freeman, President of the Board
Hello again everyone. As we flow into the summer of 2002, we realize that many changes and challenges are already at hand. Some interesting topics for discussion come to mind; the many changes with operator certification, the Ground Water Under Direct Influence of Surface Water Rule and the fact that many water systems went from surface water to ground water to avoid the surface water treatment rule. If your ground water source is found to be directly influenced by surface water, you will be faced with some changes in your operation. Then there is Capacity Development - ask yourself, is your water system viable, is it operated like a business, and will it be able to survive the next century and beyond? How about Source Water Assessment - how is your water source, will it survive? What about Security, with heightened awareness in recent months, what have you accomplished to make your system more secure? Is your emergency plan in place and up to date?And the big issue of drought, which speaks for itself. These are issues you need to address. If you would like assistance on any of these topics, contact your local Health Department office or the NYRWA office, both are more than willing to help. We all know there are many more challenges that we face daily in our line of work and these challenges are what make our jobs interesting and rewarding.This past April, NYRWA Directors Jerry Barron, John O'Connell, Florence Braunius, and myself, along with Pat Scalera, CEO, traveled to Washington D.C., for the National Rural Water Association's "Water Rally". We divided into two teams and made appointed visits with the offices of the New York Senate and Congressional Representatives. Our mission was to stress to our governmental leaders what an important role their support plays in the success of Rural Water programs. Armed with proven program results and your letters of appreciation, we made our message clear that Rural Water Works! Again, let me thank our members and stress how important your letters of appreciation are and what an impact they make on Rural Water Programs. These documents are included in all the packages that we hand deliver to our leaders, so that they can hear the results of these programs. So thanks and keep them coming.
Finally, as May came and went, so did the 23rd NYRWA Annual Technical Conference. Once again, this year we enjoyed record-breaking attendance with three full days of training, fun, fellowship, and relaxation. I would like to thank the Associate Members for their support; the rural water staff for endless hours of planning and preparation; the system members who showed their support through attendance; and Phil Perry, Lake Placid's Chief Water System Operator, for his tireless effort in making Lake Placid a great site for our 23rd conference. These ingredients are what make the recipe for a great conference. Again THANK YOU! We hope to see you next year in Buffalo.
|
|
