U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and Suffolk County Water Authority Chairman James Gaughran at a press conference in Garden City Park on Monday announced an effort by Senator Schumer to request that the federal Environmental Protection Agency delay a sudden mandate on water suppliers that would require suppliers to replace in-stock hydrants by January 4. On that date, the Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act of 2011 takes effect. The Suffolk County Water Authority, like other water suppliers, has worked in good faith to phase out various brass fittings in the three years since the Act became law. But just two months ago, the EPA released an interpretation of the new law indicating that hydrants will also be subject to new reduced lead standards. Replacing all existing hydrants in stock with new hydrants in compliance with the law could cost SCWA ratepayers as much as $450,000. SCWA and other water suppliers are seeking a waiver so that hydrants currently in stock can be utilized as suppliers transition to the requirements of the new law.
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