The Suffolk County Water Authority announced today that it would provide free well testing in its service area to Suffolk County residents using private wells who want to make sure their water supply was not compromised by Superstorm Sandy.
SCWA Chairman James F. Gaughran said the program would extend for one month, from November 20 through December 20, to allow Suffolk homeowners in communities that suffered extensive storm damage sufficient time to take care of their other priorities (the time period will be extended indefinitely for anyone who has not returned to their homes by December 20.) Tests would be conducted to make sure that private wells have not been contaminated by bacteria, fuels or chlorides via saltwater intrusion during the storm.
“Though it’s a costly process, we feel it’s important that we do everything we can to make sure that all Suffolk residents, not just our customers, have a safe and reliable water supply,” Gaughran said.
“We encourage those whose homes are in areas that have sustained significant storm damage and who use a private well to take advantage of this opportunity and have your water tested,” said SCWA Board Secretary Patrick G. Halpin.
Suffolk residents interested in having their water tested free should call (631) 698-9500. Once water samples have been taken, results will be available within as soon as possible.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.