Politics & Government

Coliform Bacteria Found In Dix Hills Water Samples

Water district chlorinating system and advises residents to boil water before consuming.

The Dix Hills Water District reported that two water samples taken earlier this week tested positive for coliform bacteria and officials are advising local residents to boil water before consumption.

As a result, water district officials said they have begun chlorinating the water and as an additional precaution are notifying district customers about the possible health concern.

The two positive samples were taken on Dec. 27 and Dec. 28. Subsequent testing for coliform bacteria so far has produced negative results.

Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Water district officials are disinfecting the system with calcium hypochlorite. Once the chlorine disinfectant is throughout the system and further sampling indicates that there are no coliforms present, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services will lift its Boil Water Notice. This may take a day or two to be effective, officials said.

People at increased risk — infants, elderly and immune compromised — should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers.

Find out what's happening in Half Hollow Hillswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Residents seeking additional information should contact District Superintendent John Hennessey at (631) 421-1812 or Jason Hime, PE, Office of Drinking Water of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services at (631) 852-5779.

Boil Water Notice Restrictions

• Boil water by bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute and allow it to cool before consuming. This applies to food preparation, making of baby formula, dishwashing, making ice and brushing of teeth. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

• Discard any ice, baby formula or any food made with water since Dec. 27.

• Use bottled water certified for sale in New York State for food preparation, making baby formula or ice and brushing of teeth.

• Upon notice that the system is safe, thoroughly flush the service line and all taps by running water for five minutes prior to using the public water supply. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here