The Safety of Tap Water in Long Island: Analyzing the Facts and Figures
Long Island, located in New York, is home to over 2.8 million people. As with any populated area, access to clean and safe drinking water is paramount. Although the water supply in Long Island is generally safe, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for contamination, particularly in private wells. This article will explore the safety of tap water in Long Island by analyzing the facts and figures.
Where Does Long Island’s Tap Water Come From?
The tap water in Long Island is sourced from two main sources: groundwater and surface water. Over 2 million people in Long Island rely on groundwater for their tap water supply. The groundwater is located in the north shore aquifer system which is the largest on the island. The remaining residents receive their water from surface water sources such as lakes and reservoirs.
How is Drinking Water Quality Monitored?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for drinking water quality nationwide through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA). The SDWA sets standards for over 90 contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, metals, and chemicals. The EPA works with states to monitor public water systems, ensuring that they comply with SDWA standards.
On Long Island, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) is responsible for monitoring drinking water quality. The SCDHS implements a comprehensive testing program for all public water systems on the island. Additionally, private wells are required to be tested once every five years by the property owner or a licensed contractor.
Potential Contaminants in Tap Water
One issue with private wells on Long Island is the potential for contamination by nitrates. Nitrates are found in fertilizers, animal waste, and sewage. Ingesting high levels of nitrates can lead to a condition called methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome. This condition reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can be fatal for infants. The SCDHS recommends testing private wells for nitrates once per year.
Another potential contaminant in Long Island’s tap water is radium-226. Radium-226 is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in rocks and soil. The radium-226 can seep into groundwater and surface water sources, potentially exposing residents to harmful levels of radiation. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requires all public water systems on the island to test for radium-226 at least once every four years.
Is Long Island’s Tap Water Safe?
According to the SCDHS, Long Island’s tap water meets all federal and state standards for drinking water quality. In fact, Long Island’s tap water has won numerous awards for taste and quality. The SCDHS provides a public drinking water quality report each year that outlines any violations or potential issues with the public water systems on Long Island.
Despite the safety of Long Island’s tap water, residents can take additional steps to ensure the quality of their water. These steps include regularly testing private wells, properly disposing of hazardous materials, and reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, residents can use water filtration systems or bottled water for an added layer of protection.
By taking these steps, residents can enjoy access to clean and safe drinking water on Long Island.