The Town of Hempstead has appointed Commissioners to the South Nassau County Water Authority Board. They are:
- John Reinhardt – Town of Hempstead
- Commissioner of Water Laura Ryder – Village of Lynbrook Trustee
- Joseph Baker – President of the South Merrick, Community Civic Association
NYS law provides for five commissioners with two appointed by the Nassau County legislature. As far as we know, these two Commissioners have not yet been appointed.
The South Nassau Water Authority, an independent body created by the State Legislature, will oversee a district that currently receives water service from New York American Water. This private water provider that was recently sold to Liberty Utilities, has drawn the ire of frustrated ratepayers who have been paying outrageously high rates for many years compared to those served by municipal water providers.
While announcing the members of the South Nassau Water Authority, the Hempstead Town Supervisor and Council Members renewed their call for the Governor and the South Shore’s State Senate representatives to provide fair and adequate funding for costs associated with the establishment and operations of the new independent body.
The members noted that the North Shore Water Authority — which represents over 5,000 American Water Customers — receives $1 million annually in state funds, while the South Shore Water Authority — which represents over 110,000 customers – receives no funding under the bill approved by the state Legislature and signed into law by the Governor in November of 2021.
