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.