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PUBLIC NOTICE - BUDGET HEARING

July 27, 2010

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of the Greenlawn Water District hereby schedules a public hearing to be held by said Board at the Greenlawn Water District office, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, NY, at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 11, 2010.

The subject matter of the hearing will be the tentative budget of estimated expenses and revenues of the Water District for the calendar year 2011.

All persons interested will be given an opportunity to present written and oral comments at said public hearing.

John T. McLaughlin, Chairman
Board of Water Commissioners
Greenlawn Water District

Your Drinking Water Quality - What You Need To Know

July 15, 2010

In the course of providing you with this update on our recent emergency event, we want to answer a number of customer questions that have arisen since the posting of our July 4th Notice on our web site.

  1. The first question is the one that’s most important- is the water still safe to drink?

    Yes the water is safe to drink! As you may already know, we provided sets of distribution samples on two consecutive days demonstrating to the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) that the water is free of coliform and E. coli bacteria. Based upon that information they permitted the boil water advisory to be lifted on July 4th. Since that day, we have significantly increased the frequency of our routine bacteriological sampling. In addition the SCDHS has also increased its own, independent surveillance sampling. As of this writing, coliform and E. coli have not been detected in any of these subsequent samples. The water being distributed meets all state and federal drinking water standards.
  2. The District’s July 1st Public Notice indicated that the presence of a fecal indicator was detected in Well 16. What is the status of that well’s condition?

    The well is off line and will remain out of service, and locked out from the distribution system until such time as the problem is corrected to the District’s satisfaction and only with the concurrence of the SCDHS. The District is in the process of conducting a comprehensive investigation of the well. This loss of supply reinforces the need for prudent use of water as requested in our July 6th Conservation Notice.

  3. The July 1st Public Notice of the problem indicated that a routine sample collected on June 29th was coliform positive. Why was notification not made earlier?

    The sample of June 29th was one of 50 required samples in our routine monthly sampling plan. These samples require an 18 to 24 hour culture period before the results are known.

    The laboratory analysis was completed and the result reported on June 30th.

    While that sample indicated the presence of coliform, it did not indicate the presence of the E.coli fecal indicator. It should be noted that unconfirmed coliform samples are not unusual in large public water distribution systems. The regulatory requirements do not call for notification based on that finding.

    However, under State (NYS Department of Health) and Federal (US Environmental Protection Agency) regulations we are required to take the additional step of collecting samples from all wells that were operating. Those well samples were collected on June 30th. Analysis of the Well 16 sample collected on June 30th was completed and reported to the District on July 1st. It was the finding of the E.coli fecal indicator which necessitated public notification.

    That notification was made the same day to local radio and television stations in conformance with State and Federal notification requirements. In addition, as outlined by the District’s Emergency Response Plan previously approved by SCDHS, a written notice was distributed to District customers by our community’s volunteer firefighters.

  4. What can be done to enhance emergency notification?

    As described above, public notification of specific emergencies is required under State and Federal regulations. These requirements call for specific statements and delivery methods. We seek to enhance these emergency notification procedures with a targeted reverse 911 system. This system will automatically contact your home phone and can also incorporate designated e-mail and cellular phone notifications. You will receive further information regarding this enhancement shortly.
  5. Is chlorination of the water supply continuing?

    As required by the regulations we commenced operation of our standby water supply chlorination equipment on July 1st. Chlorination continues to operate. This and any additional treatment changes, including discontinuing chlorination, will require SCDHS approval.

    The operation of this equipment is being monitored by District staff and operational reporting information is being routinely provided to SCDHS. This precautionary step is very consistent with the disinfection practices of virtually every other public water supplier on Long Island and involves the addition of measured levels of chlorine. The concentration of chlorine added is consistent with that of other suppliers on Long Island, and well within maximum allowances. Disinfection of public water supplies is required in NY State, and can only be waived if very strict regulatory conditions are met to the satisfaction of SCDHS.

  6. What can be done about the chlorine taste?

    It is the objective of the NY State’s public water disinfection requirements that a small level of residual chlorine be maintained throughout the water distribution system. For many people these low “free chlorine residual” levels go gradually unnoticed, and will stabilize as we further refine this treatment process.

    These residual levels are well within the limits allowed by State and Federal agencies.

    It is recognized that some individuals are more sensitive to the odor and taste from the chlorine residuals.

    We have some suggestions that may prove effective:

    Store a glass container or pitcher open in your refrigerator, the chlorine should dissipate in a few hours. Remember to wash the container just as you would any dishware containing a food product.
    Some people find boiling or mechanically aerating the water by pouring between containers to be effective but this tends to be time consuming.

    Commercial products like pour through filters can be effective if the product is designed for that purpose, and the filters are changed-out at the frequency recommended. While the treatment claims of house filter manufacturers are not assured by government agencies you should look for a product that is designed for chlorine removal and has certification by an independent agency such as the National Sanitation Foundation or Underwriters Laboratory.

  7. How can I stay informed of developments?

    The District is committed to providing you with the information you need. This web site will be updated as to further developments. As always, you can contact the District office by phone during normal business hours at 261-0874, or direct questions via e-mail at info@greenlawnwater.org

    Once again, we thank you for your patience and understanding.

URGENT WATER CONSERVATION NOTICE

July 6, 2010

Greenlawn Water District is requesting that residents and businesses water lawns every other day, rather than daily, due to the dry, hot weather currently being experienced.  Although we do not face a water shortage, the immediate problem is the strain on water pumps to keep up with demand during peak periods of use.

We ask your cooperation in doing the following:

  • Irrigate before 10:00 a.m. or after 4:00 p.m.  Watering during the heat of day causes much of the water to evaporate.

  • Odd numbered homes water on odd numbered calendar days; even numbered on even numbered calendar days.

Water districts throughout Long Island are asking customers to observe these same guidelines.

Please practice conservation and use water wisely!  If you have any questions concerning the above, contact us at 631-261-0874.  Thank you.


Your Drinking Water Quality- What You Need To Know

July 4, 2010

Dear Resident:

The Greenlawn Water District is pleased to announce that your water is now safe to drink.

The Water District would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding during this difficult emergency situation.

As we have advised through notices, the media and our website, we were notified on July 1st that bacteria was detected in one (1) of our 12 supply wells.

The District immediately took the well out of service and started to chlorinate the water being delivered to residents. District personnel worked all through the night of July 1st getting the chlorine into the distribution system and collecting water samples for testing, as well as distributing notices to homeowners. The public was notified not to drink the water before boiling it.

After collecting two (2) sets of distribution re-samples and testing them, we have verified that the water in the system meets all drinking water standards and is free of bacteria. Your Greenlawn water supply is safe to drink.

The contaminated well will remain out of service until the source of the bacteria is determined and corrected. The District will continue to chlorinate the water at this time as a precaution.

Once again, the Greenlawn Water District Commissioners commend the residents of the District for their cooperation, understanding and patience during this period. We also extend special thanks to our employees and to the local fire departments who worked through the nights during this emergency.

For more information please call the Greenlawn Water District at 631-261-0874 or the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at 631-852-5778.

Again, thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Greenlawn Water District Board of Commissioners

John T. McLaughlin, Commissioner
James M. Logan, Commissioner
William M. Wieck, Commissioner

URGENT NOTICE UPDATE

July 3, 2010 -- 4pm

The Boil Water Notice is still in effect:

Continuing Action:
The Greenlawn Water District is dealing with the water emergency situation. Chlorination of the water system continues. GWD workers have been in the field working around the clock taking many multiple follow up test samples of which the results are all good to date.

Outlook:
We are hopeful that restrictions will be lifted very shortly and that boiling of your water will soon be unnecessary.

Bottled Water:
Bottled water is still available at the Greenlawn Water District office, 45 Railroad Street.

To our residents, we thank you for your patience. We will update you as soon as possible.

BOIL WATER NOTICE

July 1, 2010

Dear Residents:

Please be advised the Greenlawn Water District started emergency chlorination of the water system due to positive samples for bacteria detected during routine weekly monitoring and at one of our supply wells. The chlorine is being added as a precautionary measure. Health Department regulations require that we issue a boil water notice and that the residents boil their water before drinking or using for food preparation.

Follow-up samples are being taken throughout the system and the District will notify residents once satisfactory samples are received.

Please read the required notice below so that you may be fully informed. Thank you for your understanding in this matter. We will continue to work as hard as we can to correct this situation. Please check our website, www.greenlawnwater.org for updates on this situation.

Please contact the District office at (631) 261-0874 should you have any questions.

Sincerely,
GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT
Board of Commissioners
John T. McLaughlin, Chairman
James M. Logan, Secretary
William M. Wieck, Treasurer

BOIL WATER NOTICE
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DRINKING WATER
GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT

Well No. 16 Tested Positive for Fecal Contamination

Our water system detected fecal indicators (E. coli) in one of our wells. Fecal indicators have not been encountered in any other wells. As our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we are doing to correct this situation. On June 30th, we learned that one of our routine samples collected June 29th was total coliform positive. As required by EPA’s Ground Water Rule, one of our follow-up steps was to collect samples from our wells. The sample from Well No. 16 collected on June 30th tested positive for a fecal indicator (E. coli). Upon receiving notification we immediately removed this well from service. We are now conducting additional sampling of the well to determine the extent of the problem and are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination.

What should I do?

DO NOT DRINK THE WATER WITHOUT BOILING IT FIRST. Bring all water to a rolling boil, let it boil for one minute, and let it cool before using it. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. You may also use bottled water. Use boiled or bottled water for drinking, making ice, preparing food, including baby formula and washing dishes until further notice.

Also, if you have a severely compromised immune system, have an infant, or are elderly, you may be at increased risk and should seek advice about drinking water from your health care providers. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. If you have specific health concerns, consult your doctor. We are also providing regular updates on this situation on the District’s website at www.greenlawnwater.org.

What does this mean?

Inadequately treated or inadequately protected water may contain disease-causing organisms. These organisms can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, and associated headaches. Fecal indicators are microbes whose presence indicate that the water may be contaminated with human or animal wastes. Microbes in these wastes can cause short-term health effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. They may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, some of the elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. These symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water. If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, you may want to seek medical advice.

What is being done?

We are presently disinfecting the system with calcium hypochlorite. You may notice a chlorine odor or taste in the water. As the system stabilizes, the odor and taste effects will dissipate. We are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the source of the contamination and will be working with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services to implement corrective actions to ensure that our water supplies are protected against contamination. We will keep you informed of the steps we are taking to protect your drinking water and will provide information on any steps you should be taking, until this problem is corrected.

For more information, please contact District office at (631) 261-0874 or write to the Greenlawn Water District, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, NY 11740

Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

This notice is being sent to you by Greenlawn Water District.
State Water System ID#5103271 Sent: 07-01-2010 3:25 PM

BID NOTICE - OFFICE CLEANING SERVICES

Sealed proposals for Cleaning Services at the offices of the Greenlawn Water District, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, NY 11740, will be received at that address up until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Specifications and schedule of services are available at the District office, or you may call (631) 261-0874 to have this information mailed or faxed.

The undersigned reserve the right to reject any and all proposals or to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder who in their judgment submits the most advantageous quote.

GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT
Board of Water Commissioners
John T. McLaughlin, Chairman
William M. Wieck, Secretary
James M. Logan, Treasurer

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular weekly meeting of the Greenlawn Water District Board of Commissioners on Wednesday, March 31, previously scheduled for 7:30 p.m., will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Greenlawn Water District office, 45 Railroad St., Greenlawn. NY.

Board of Water Commissioners
Greenlawn Water District
45 Railroad St., Greenlawn, NY 11740

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular weekly meeting of the Greenlawn Water District Board of Commissioners is re-scheduled from Wednesday, February 3, 11:30 am to Tuesday, February 2, 11:30 am at the Greenlawn Water District office, 45 Railroad St., Greenlawn, NY.

Board of Water Commissioners
Greenlawn Water District
45 Railroad St., Greenlawn, NY 11740

Water Tank Update - Wicks & Larkfield Roads, Commack

We had hoped to have the tank rehabilitation work previously reported in our 2009 newsletter and on our website completed by late November, but time was lost due to weather conditions - one being the very rainy month of June. Now with the colder winter temperatures upon us, the project has been shut down until Spring.

To our neighbors residing in the vicinity, we thank you for your patience throughout this past year. This was an extremely large undertaking since it covered not only the interior and exterior painting of the tank, but a great many safety upgrades as well. At times, due to the regulation requiring full containment "drapes" around the tank, noise became a factor, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Please bear with us when work resumes in a few months. Any questions can be directed to Superintendent Bob Santoriello at 631-261-0874.

Dated: January 11, 2010
Board of Water Commissioners

PUBLIC NOTICE - 2010 Schedule of Meetings

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of the Greenlawn Water District, at an organizational meeting thereof at the Water District Office on Friday, January 1, 2010, duly adopted a resolution, an abstract of which is as follows: "AND, WHEREAS, a regular schedule of meetings of the Greenlawn Water District Commissioners shall be established, BE IT RESOLVED that all regular meetings will be held at the Water District Office at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings beginning Jan. 13, with the exception of the first and third Wednesday of each month, as well as Sept. 8, Oct. 13, all of November and Dec. 22 and 29 when meetings will be held at 11:30 a.m. Meetings are subject to change as deemed necessary by the Commissioners. Notice of the 2010 meeting schedule and any changes or cancellations will appear in The Long Islander and Record, and on the Town of Huntington and Greenlawn Water District websites." First regular Board meeting of 2010 was held January 6 at 11:30 a.m.

Dated: January 7, 2010
Board of Water Commissioners

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular weekly meeting of the Greenlawn Water District Board of Commissioners will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, December 30 at the Greenlawn Water District office, 45 Railroad St., Greenlawn, NY, and not 7:30pm on that date as originally scheduled.

Dated: December 29, 2009
Board of Water Commissioners

NOTICE OF ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Commissioners of the Greenlawn Water District will hold their Organizational Meeting at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 1, 2010 at the offices of the Greenlawn Water District located at 45 Railroad St., Greenlawn, NY.

Board of Commissioners
Greenlawn Water District
45 Railroad St., Greenlawn, NY 11740

LEGAL NOTICE FOR
GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT
ANNUAL ELECTION – DECEMBER 8, 2009

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Annual Election of the Greenlawn Water District will take place on Tuesday, December 8, 2009, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Greenlawn Water District office located at 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, New York, for the purpose of electing one Commissioner for a three-year term, commencing on January 1, 2010 and ending on December 31, 2012.  All duly registered residents of the Greenlawn Water District shall be eligible to vote.

James M. Logan, Chairman GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT

BID NOTICE – CAUSTIC SODA

Sealed bids will be received by the Greenlawn Water District, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, NY 11740-1217, up to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, for 50% Caustic Soda.

Specifications
The 50% Caustic Soda supplied must meet the American Water Works Association Specification B501-08, or latest edition, and have NSF 60 Certification.

The successful bidder must have guaranteed source of supply and own all equipment necessary to deliver the Caustic Soda required under this contract.  Truck must be metered.

Contract Period
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010

Price Adjustments
Price may be increased or decreased on a quarterly basis, depending upon changes in the manufacturer's price of Caustic Soda.  Any change must be made in writing with 30 days notice, and must include substantiation of price change to the supplier.

Delivery
Delivery will be made to the Greenlawn Water District office; the superintendent will instruct from that point.  Full load will generally be required to be delivered to multiple locations.  Certain locations require a short body trailer in order to make delivery.  The Greenlawn Water District may require deliveries at future sites as required.  Minimum delivery will be 2,000 gallons.

Price
50% Caustic Soda, per hundred pounds dry weight basis.

NOTICE OF PREPARATION OF REGISTER ROLLS
FOR ANNUAL ELECTION OF THE
GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT

Dated: October 21, 2009

Please be advised that the Board of Elections of the Greenlawn Water District shall meet on Wednesday, November 25, 2009, between the hours of 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Greenlawn Water District Office, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, New York, for the purpose of preparing the rolls of registered voters of the Greenlawn Water District.

The annual election of the Greenlawn Water District will be held Tuesday, December 8, 2009, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., at the Greenlawn Water District Office, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, New York.

Please note that in 2009 and thereafter, only those persons who have registered with the County Board of Elections on or before the 23rd day before the Water District election day shall be eligible to vote. In 2009, such registration must take place on or before Monday, November 16th.

John T. McLaughlin, Secretary
Board of Commissioners
GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT

PUBLIC NOTICE

Dated: September 24, 2009

Revised: October 5, 2009

SEALED BIDS will be received by the Board of Commissioners of the Greenlawn Water District at the office of the Water District, 45 Railroad Street, Greenlawn, New York 11740, until 11:30 AM, prevailing time, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, and will be publicly opened at 11:30 AM for the furnishing of all labor and materials for:

WELL HEAD TREATMENT FOR VOC REMOVAL AT WELL No. 13
CONTRACT G – GENERAL AND MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION
CONTRACT E – ELECTRICAL CONSTRUCTION
H2M PROJECT NO.: GLWD 09-03

Any bids received after the scheduled bid opening time will be returned to the bidder unopened.

The Board reserves the right to waive any informality in, to reject any or all bids, or to award the contract to such bidder who in its judgment submits the bid it deems most favorable to the District.

Each bid must be on the form furnished by the Board of Commissioners and must be accompanied by a bid bond or certified check payable to “Greenlawn Water District”, in an amount of at least five (5%) percent of the total amount of the bid, said security to be forfeited to the Water District as liquidated damages in case of failure of the successful bidder to enter into a contract for the execution of the work within ten (10) days after written notice from the Board to do so has been mailed to the bidder’s address as stated in its proposal.

Contract, Plans and Specifications may be obtained in electronic format on the deposit of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) for each disc containing the documents (check made payable to the “Greenlawn Water District”), at the office of the consulting engineers, Holzmacher, McLendon & Murrell, P.C., 575 Broad Hollow Road, Melville, New York 11747. Deposits of bidders will be returned upon return of the original disc within ten (10) days following the bid date. Other deposits will not be refunded. Only plan holders who have registered and paid for their deposit are eligible to submit bids. The information set forth in the annexed “Information for Bidders” shall be deemed a part of this Notice.

BOARD OF WATER COMMISSIONERS
GREENLAWN WATER DISTRICT

James M. Logan, Chairman
William M. Wieck, Treasurer
John T. McLaughlin, Secretary

WATER TANK UPDATE - WICKS & LARKFIELD ROADS

Dated: September 14, 2009

As previously reported in our newsletter, Tank 3 on Wicks & Larkfield Roads in Commack was taken off line for complete refurbishment last spring, reactivated during the summer months, and is currently off line again while final painting and other work is being completed. The tank should be up and running again in November. If you reside in this vicinity, some fluctuation in pressure may occur while the tank is out of service. Please feel free to call 631-261-0874 if you have any questions. Robert Santoriello, Superintendent