Update 1-1-12: Dix Hills Water District Tests Positive for Coliform Bacteria

Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Dix Hills Water District

County rescinds directive after coliform bacteria tests of 21 samples taken yesterday produce negative results

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services today lifted its directive that a Boil Water Notice be issued for the Dix Hills Water District, after 21 samples taken Saturday, December 31, 2011, all tested negative for coliform bacteria.

The County’s action confirms that the District’s water is safe for consumption without boiling.

Late last week, after samples taken Dec. 27 and 28 detected total coliform bacteria in the distribution system, officials of the Dix Hills Water District began chlorination and, as a precaution and in accordance with the directives of the Health Department, hand-delivered notices to the District’s 8,000 customers informing them of the results and giving information about coliform bacteria in water and instructions about boiling water.

Subsequent testing, beginning after the Dec. 28 test and before chlorination started, and all tests since, have proven negative for coliform bacteria. The Dix Hills Water District, its Consulting Engineer and its State-approved Laboratory are investigating the situation. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is also investigating the source of the contamination in the samples. The District is continuing the chlorination.

Residents seeking additional information are asked to contact District Superintendent John Hennessey at (631) 421-1812 or Jason Hime, PE, Office of Drinking Water of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 852-5779.

Dix Hills Water District Acts to Protect Water Supply

Begins chlorination after two positive tests for coliform bacteria; subsequent tests produce negative results

Two samples taken earlier this week that detected total coliform bacteria in the distribution system have prompted officials of the Dix Hills Water District to begin chlorination and, as a precaution, to notify district customers about the possible health concern.

The samples were taken on Dec. 27 and 28. Subsequent testing thus far has produced negative results; no coliform bacteria has been detected.

Because of the initial test results, the District immediately began disinfecting the system with calcium hypochlorite. As a precaution and in accordance with the directives of the Health Department, the District sent a notice to customers informing them of the results and giving information about coliform bacteria in water and instructions about boiling water.

Once the chlorine disinfectant is throughout the system and confirmatory sampling indicates that there are no coliforms present, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services will lift its Boil Water Notice. This may take a day or two to be effective.

The notification contains state-mandated language that the allowable standard is that no more than 5 percent of samples collected during any month can contain coliform bacteria. The Dix Hills Water District had a total of 6 percent of the samples and repeat samples for December exceed the standard.

The Dix Hills Water District, its Consulting Engineer and its State-approved Laboratory are investigating the problem and are conducting the sampling program.  The Suffolk County Department of Health Services is also investigating the source of the contamination.

People at increased risk; infants, elderly and immune compromised — should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

Residents seeking additional information are asked to contact District Superintendent John Hennessey at (631) 421-1812 or Jason Hime, PE, Office of Drinking Water of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 852-5779.

 BOIL WATER NOTICE RESTRICTIONS

1. Boil water by bringing to a rolling boil for one (1) minute and allow it to cool before consuming.  This applies to food preparation, making of baby formula, dishwashing, making ice, or brushing of teeth. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

2.  Discard any ice, baby formula or any food made with water during event.

Alternatively use bottled water certified for sale in New York State for food preparation, making baby formula or ice and brushing of teeth.

Upon notice that this event is over, thoroughly flush the service line and all taps by running water for five (5) minutes prior to using the public water supply.