PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2013
Contact: Tim Motz
(631) 563-0396 (o)
(631) 445-0562 (c)
tmotz@scwa.com
In Aftermath of Sandy, SCWA Tests
Private Wells of More Than 360 Homes
Initiative Aimed at Assuring Suffolk Families Using Private Wells
That their water is still safe to drink
The Suffolk County Water Authority tested the private wells of more than 360 Suffolk residences free of charge during a recently completed initiative aimed at assessing the water quality of those on private water in the aftermath of SuperStorm Sandy.
The program allowed Suffolk homeowners in communities that suffered extensive storm damage sufficient time to take care of their other priorities. The tests focused on determining if private wells had been contaminated by bacteria, chlorides, nitrate and volatile organic compounds as a result of the storm.
SCWA’s state-of-the-art laboratory tested wells between Amityville and Orient. Of those wells tested, 22% showed measurable levels of bacteria, 8% had measurable levels of volatile organic compounds, 6% had levels of chloride above the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and 3% had levels of nitrate above the MCL. Those with wells in which contaminants were found present were advised on strategies for remediation and how to apply for public water.
"We felt it was important to do everything possible to make sure that all Suffolk residents, not just our customers, continue to have a water supply that is safe," SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo said.
The water supply for virtually all Suffolk County Water Authority customers, which is tested around the clock, was uninterrupted and completely safe during SuperStorm Sandy. The only exception was the supply on Fire Island, where full service was restored to all SCWA customers in less than one month.
The Suffolk County Water Authority offers financing to help those on private wells to convert to public water as easily as possible. Anyone interested should go to www.scwa.com or call us at (631) 698-9500.
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.