SOURCE:
http://www.news12.com/story/41639348/toxic-chemicals-discovered-in-some-nassau-county-water-wells
January 31, 2020
Toxic chemicals were discovered in some water wells in Nassau County.
New York American Water's Levittown well supplies more than 8,000 customers. Recent testing of the well water showed elevated levels of 1,4 dioxane - a chemical contaminant.
The water company says the levels are still below current safety standards and that the water is safe to drink.
“We are reaching out to our customers currently to explain what we found, and we are implementing treatment,” says Lee Meuller, of NY American Water.
However, environmentalists say the chemical is a serious concern.
Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign, says 1,4 dioxane is a carcinogenic chemical and is known to damage the nervous system, kidneys and liver.
In addition to Levittown, the water company says 1,4 dioxane was discovered in an unused well in Roosevelt and the chemical PFOS was found in a well in Glen Head. The company says all sites will be cleaned.
“We are looking at installing 1,4 dioxane treatment at our Seamans Neck plant and we are looking at adding granulated activated carbon at our Glen Head site,” says Meuller.
Customers say they hope the cost of removing the chemicals from their water won’t raise their bills.
New York American Water says it plans on suing chemical manufactures to recoup its cleaning costs.
Environmentalists say the state is currently reviewing its water quality standards and looking into lowering the acceptable amount of 1,4 dioxane currently allowed in drinking water.