Garden City Park WD

Before distribution to consumers, Garden City Park Water District treats all well water to enhance quality. The pH is adjusted upward with sodium hydroxide to minimize corrosion between water and distribution infrastructure. Various treatment facilities are strategically positioned throughout the system:

• An air stripping tower at Plant No. 6 removes volatile organic compounds from Well No. 6

• Similar treatment systems operate at Plant Nos. 7/10, 8 and 9

• Granular activated carbon filtration is employed at Wells No. 6 and 11 to eliminate volatile organic compounds

• A small chlorine dose disinfects the water supply to prevent bacterial contamination

Long Island's groundwater system currently provides sufficient water for present needs. In 2017, Garden City Park Water District continued implementing conservation measures to reduce unnecessary usage. Total pumpage decreased by 6.4% compared to 2016, likely due to cooler, wetter summer conditions.

Conservation programs remain in effect for 2018. Residents should note that Nassau County's Odd-Even garden sprinkler regulations are still active. Additionally, the District prohibits irrigation between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. These measures protect our valuable groundwater resources while generating cost savings for consumers on both water and energy bills.

The District distributes water conservation rulers with usage tips and leak estimation guides, along with toilet dye packs to detect silent leaks. For additional conservation measures, please refer to the Water District's annual newsletter.

Our water comes from six wells. The source water assessment has classified five wells as having very high susceptibility to industrial solvents and one well with high susceptibility to nitrates. These vulnerabilities stem primarily from industrial/commercial facilities and related activities in the assessment area. The nitrate susceptibility also relates to unsewered residential land use and associated practices like lawn fertilization.

1. Why does my water appear milky or cloudy? This appearance typically results from air bubbles in the water, which pose no health risks. Let the water sit until the air dissipates and clarity returns. If cloudiness persists, please contact us for inspection.
2. What causes spots on dishes? These spots result from mineral deposits (hard water) remaining after water evaporates. A dishwasher rinse agent can effectively remove these spots.
3. Should I purchase a water softener? Water hardness varies by source. The decision to buy a softener is primarily aesthetic, as hard water isn't harmful. Note that softeners typically increase water sodium content, which may affect those on sodium-restricted diets.
4. Is a home filtration unit necessary? According to EPA guidelines, home treatment units rarely serve health purposes. They're typically used to improve aesthetic water qualities. If installing a unit, follow manufacturer's maintenance instructions carefully to avoid creating water quality issues.
5. Why does my coffee appear oily? Clean your coffee maker with vinegar and water following manufacturer's instructions.
6. What causes hot water odors? The water heater is typically responsible. If cold water smells fine, verify your water heater's temperature settings and perform recommended maintenance. Contact us if odors persist or appear in both hot and cold water.
7. What causes water discoloration? Color typically stems from natural organic matter, minerals, or mineral buildup in pipes. We routinely flush our system to remove sediment. If you experience discoloration, run taps until clear. While these materials rarely pose health hazards, please report instances for investigation.
8. Is bottled water superior to tap water? Both tap and bottled water providers must meet identical quality standards. In fact, tap water undergoes more frequent testing and reporting requirements. Some consumers prefer bottled water's taste or choose it for specific health concerns, but tap water costs approximately 1,000 times less.
9. Why are some fire hydrants painted black and what's their purpose? Black hydrants are non-functional or unavailable for fire suppression, typically pumping less than 250 gallons per minute. We use them for regular system flushing to remove mineral buildup and ensure proper water circulation.
10. Why must water undergo disinfection? Disinfectants prevent disease-causing germs. Before modern disinfection practices, diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and dysentery were widespread. Water disinfection has significantly enhanced water safety and quality.
11. Why does my water taste or smell of chlorine? We disinfect water to eliminate harmful bacteria. To reduce chlorine taste or odor, refrigerate water before consumption.
12. Why is there sand or dirt in my water? These particles may naturally occur in groundwater or appear after water line repairs. We minimize occurrences through regular system flushing, which improves quality by increasing water flow and removing sediment.
13. Why does water taste change seasonally? Water sources vary throughout the year based on availability. Surface water from rivers and lakes typically tastes slightly different from groundwater pumped from underground aquifers.