December 3, 2012
Suffolk County Extends Offer of Free Well Testing to Homeowners with On-Site Wells Impacted by Sandy
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services announced today that it will offer free well testing to homeowners whose wells have been impacted by Super Storm Sandy and that are located outside of Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) service area. This follows the announcement of November 22, 2012, that the Suffolk County Water Authority would provide free well testing to residents with concerns about private wells located within the SCWA service area.
“Our concern is that all residents have the same opportunity,” said County Executive Steve Bellone. “With that objective, we have asked our health inspectors to provide this same service to homeowners who have private wells that have been impacted by the storm and who live outside the Water Authority’s service areas.”
Suffolk County residents located in these areas served by SCWA and who are interested in having their water tested for free should call (631) 698-9500.
For those with wells located outside SCWA service areas, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) will conduct testing to determine if these private water supplies have been impacted by bacteria, fuels, chlorides, or other contaminates as a result of Super Storm Sandy. At a minimum, the SCDHS will analyze for bacteriological contaminants, inorganic compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to ensure drinking water quality. This service will be available until December 20th, but may be extended for homeowners who have been displaced and have not returned to their homes by that date.
Suffolk County residents located in areas not served by SCWA and who are interested in having their water tested for free should contact SCDHS at (631) 852-5810 or (631) 852-5789. Once water samples have been taken, results will be made available to homeowners as soon as possible.