Town of Hempstead Water Department

The Town of Hempstead Department of Water prepares the Annual Water Quality Report on behalf of Bowling Green Properties, East Meadow, Levittown, Roosevelt Field and Uniondale Water Areas. This report follows Title 10 of New York State Health Law and Part 5 of the State Sanitary Code, specifically Public Water Systems Section 5-1.72.

This comprehensive report provides essential information about our water source, annual pumpage data, treatment processes, distribution quality, average customer costs, water conservation tips, and operational details for all service areas.

Detailed water quality data for specific supply wells isn't published in this statement but is available at the Department of Water office at 1995 Prospect Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. For additional information about this report, please call (516) 794-8300.

In 2017, the typical customer used 141,417 gallons of water at a cost of $246.49, averaging 387 gallons daily at $0.67 per day.

WATER TREATMENT
Our groundwater is naturally acidic and requires lime treatment to reduce corrosiveness before entering the distribution system. Chlorine is added to ensure bacteriological quality, maintaining minimum required levels throughout the system.

Four source wells show nitrate levels at or above Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL). Two are blended with other wells to keep nitrate below MCL, while two undergo ion-exchange treatment. At one location, polyphosphate is added for aesthetic purposes and corrosion control. Nine sites utilize granular activated carbon filtration and/or packed tower aeration to remove organic compounds.

NY STATE HEALTH ADVISORY
Drinking water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels across land or underground, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal or human activities. Potential contaminants include microbial pathogens, inorganic compounds, pesticides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances.

Immunocompromised individuals, including cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, organ transplant recipients, people with HIV/AIDS, the elderly, and infants may be particularly vulnerable to waterborne pathogens. These individuals should consult their healthcare providers about their drinking water. Guidelines for reducing infection risk from Cryptosporidium, Giardia and other microbial pathogens are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

1. Does the Water Department provide a Payment Plan?
   Yes, if you contact us soon after receiving your bill and before it becomes past due. We can divide your balance into installments over up to 6 months. We'll send two copies of a payment plan agreement; return one signed copy with your first payment. No interest applies to outstanding balances under this plan. Note that we don't send monthly reminders—you're responsible for tracking payments. Missing payments terminates the plan and interest charges begin.
2. How can I check my home for leaks?
   For toilet leaks, remove the tank lid and listen carefully for hissing sounds. If you hear something, try to locate the source and determine if you can fix it yourself or need a plumber. For silent leaks, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank (not the bowl) and wait about 30 minutes. If color appears in the bowl, your flapper valve is leaking and needs replacement.
3. My water smells. What should I do?
   For hot water odors, connect a garden hose to the spigot at the bottom of your hot water tank and drain it before refilling. For cold water odors, flush your water service using outdoor spigots for about 30 minutes. If the problem persists after flushing for 30 minutes, contact the water department.
4. My water is brown. Is it safe?
   Yes, the water remains safe though discolored. Try flushing your service using outdoor spigots for approximately 30 minutes. If water doesn't clear after this time, contact the water department for assistance.
5. Is the BWD part of Digsafe?
   No. Please contact Digsafe first (www.Digsafe.com) and then contact the BWD with your Digsafe number. Standard mark-out requests require three business days.
6. How Much Water Does the Average Home Use?
   Estimates vary, but individuals typically use between 80-100 gallons of water daily. Additional information is available at https://water.usgs.gov/edu/qa-domestic-percapita.html.