November 15, 2022, Bethpage, NY, U.S.A. – The Bethpage Water District (BWD) has always been at the forefront of protecting our local water supply, and this responsibility requires thoughtful planning, vigilance, and foresight. The BWD treatment program is a multi-prong approach, including the design and construction of multiple water treatment facilities throughout the District. This ensures the Bethpage Water District continues to meet New York State standards and regulations for emerging contaminates mandated by the State on August 26, 2020, and later modified for even stricter enforcement this past June and October.
"We have been out and in front of the New York State Department of Health regulations and requirements for emerging contaminants, advancing our process of design and construction of water treatment facilities throughout the Bethpage Water District. These actions took place early and well ahead of many others," said Teri Catapano Black, Bethpage Water District Commissioner. "We worked closely with our professional engineers and strategic partners to develop the most efficient and proactive plan for the detection and treatment for PFOS, PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. By taking these necessary and proper steps, we addressed the concerns and are now better prepared for the future."
These emerging contaminants, PFOS, PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, are byproducts of regular household items used in small concentrations in a variety of applications such as inks and adhesives. They are commonly found in everyday home products such as cosmetics, shampoos, dish soap, degreasers and packaging to pharmaceuticals. Although 1,4-dioxane seeps into the water system through the ground, drains and sewers, Long Island’s commissioner-voted water districts such as Bethpage Water District, have been at the forefront of monitoring and treatment. This is being done to ensure that the water that comes to a consumer’s tap continues to meet all federal and state quality standards.
"We qualified for a maximum contaminant level (MCL) deferral from the New York State Department of Health to extend our timeline to build out our advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment systems at Plant No. 5, Plant No. 6, Plant BGD – Plainview Road, and South Park Drive. Fortunately, our action plan began well in advance of the State issuing a standard, and we didn’t need to rely on it. Proudly, our team has constructed some of the most advanced water treatment systems in the country, ensuring our vision for the continual delivery of an adequate supply of potable water to our customers," added Commissioner Black.
The Bethpage Water District has always been dedicated to promoting environmental excellence and best practices while maintaining the highest standards of water quality. The Board of Water Commissioners comprised of Chairman John Coumatos, Scott Greco and Black, meet weekly with staff to strategize and take proactive measures to plan for the future, without compromise. "We live in the same community as our consumers, and as residents of Bethpage, each of us have personal, vested interests in ensuring high quality water for our own families and neighbors. Our commitment is unwavering, and we have a dedicated plan to achieve our objective of meeting the highest of standards."