West Hempstead WD

In compliance with State and Federal regulations, the Village of Hempstead publishes a comprehensive report detailing the quality of our municipal water. This report aims to increase awareness about our water supply and emphasize the importance of protecting our water sources.

Last year, we conducted 6,080 tests for 156 different chemicals, contaminants, and water quality parameters. Of these, we detected 18 substances in the distribution system, all within state-approved levels. This report provides an overview of water quality for the past year, including information about water sources, contents, and how it compares to regulatory standards.

If you have questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact Mayor Don Ryan at (516) 489-3400. We encourage community involvement through our Village Board meetings, held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM at Village Hall (except July and August when only first Tuesday meetings are held).

Water Source Information: Our municipal water comes from nine groundwater wells tapping into the Magothy aquifer at depths ranging from 365 to 535 feet. These wells are located at the Clinton Street and Lauro Avenue Water Plants. During 2017, Well 7 experienced mechanical pump issues, while Wells 2R and 4 had limited use due to elevated iron concentrations. Wells 1RR, 3R, 5, 6R, 8 and 9 operated year-round except during scheduled maintenance periods.

Water Treatment: The Village provides several treatments to enhance water quality before distribution. These include:

• pH adjustment using caustic soda to reduce pipe corrosion
• Addition of sequestering agents to prevent iron staining
• Aeration to remove volatile organics and oxidize iron
• Chlorination to prevent bacterial growth
• Air stripping towers to remove volatile organic compounds
• Manganese Green Sand filters to remove dissolved iron

Water Quality Assessment: The New York State Department of Health completed a source water assessment for our system. This assessment rated our wells as having high susceptibility to industrial solvents and nitrates due to nearby transportation routes, industrial facilities, and residential land use practices like lawn fertilization.

1. SJWD provides water service only, but handles billing for several local sewer service providers including Town of Lyman, Town of Duncan, City of Wellford, Greer CPW, and Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District. For sewer service issues, customers should contact their provider directly.
2. SJWD ensures accurate meter readings and billing information. Upon request, we can verify meter readings and accuracy. If the meter functions correctly, the customer remains responsible for all charges. In some instances, meters may indicate potential plumbing issues on the property. Contact us to learn how to identify possible causes of high usage.
3. SJWD operates according to an annually prepared budget approved by its commissioners. This budget accounts for upcoming fiscal year revenue and expenses, plus capital expenditures from the district's 5-year capital projects plan. After careful analysis of all financial factors, water rates are established to meet the district's fiscal objectives.
4. A 5-member Board of Commissioners governs SJWD Water District. Each commissioner serves a six-year term following gubernatorial appointment. Monthly meetings occur at the SJWD administration office on the third Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to the public with agendas posted in the administration office lobby. Please contact us in advance to be included on the agenda.