United Water Customer Advisory Panel Members Receive Certificate of Merit for Contributions to Company

West Nyack, NY, February 27, 2002 -- United Water New York presented a certificate of merit to four Rockland County residents who completed terms of service as members of its Customer Advisory Panel. Certificate recipients were: Florence Gross and Rochelle Spooner of Piermont, James Kraus of Stony Point, and Judith Thibert of Valley Cottage.

Panel members assisted with the development of the Annual Water Quality report, a document mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health that outlines the quality of the drinking water. Members also assisted with answering customer inquiries and initiating new programs.

Florence Gross, a member since its inception in 1996, said, “I really enjoyed my five years on the panel. I believe we have improved the communication between the company and its customers, particularly the Annual Water Quality Report. We also provided good insight when United Water considered new services, products, company policies and procedures, all for the betterment of its customers.”

Gary Harstead, general manager said, “Each member made significant contributions to the discussions and decisions of the panel. They all expressed their views and concerns and provided valuable commentary.”

The group meets bimonthly at the company’s West Nyack office and discusses a variety of topics. Panel members serve three-year terms and receive a $40 stipend for each meeting attended. Current Panel members include: Joe Andrean and Paul Murray of New City, Kenneth Blinn of Thiells, Mark Carlevaro of Stony Point, Cantave Paul of Spring Valley, Helene Sandler and Edward Weireter of Garnerville, Burt Steinberg of Monsey, Ingrid Symes and Alice VanCott of Nanuet, and Gerald A. Turer of Airmont.

United Water New York provides water service to more than 260,000 people in Rockland County.