Mangano Announces Emergency Information On Drinking Water Safety During A Storm

Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano today announced emergency information about drinking water safety during a storm. County Executive Mangano and the Nassau County Department of Health advise that residents store as much drinking water as possible as a precautionary measure in case of service interruption due to the storm. A minimum of three (3) gallons of water per person, for consumption (drinking, cooking and brushing teeth), should be stored in clean containers. New York State certified bottled water is also acceptable. A separate supply of water for toilet flushing should also be stored; this is best done by filling the bathtub. Swimming pool water may also be used for flushing toilets. Your public water system may increase disinfection as a precautionary measure and your tap water may have a noticeable chlorine taste and odor. After the storm has passed, water conservation measures should be implemented. Tap water should only be used for drinking and bathing. Your water supplier will provide public notification of any problems with your water system as a result of the storm through the news media and public notices that are delivered to your residence. Residents should have a few gallons of non-scented bleach to disinfect their tap water in case a boiled water notice is issued if you don’t have power or gas to boil water. Residents should also remember to have a battery operated radio to listen for official health and safety notifications.

Follow the following disinfecting procedures:

Using Liquid Chlorine Bleach

• Disinfect water by adding eight drops of regular unscented liquid chlorine bleach (4-6% available chlorine) per gallon of water (sixteen drops if the water is cloudy).
• Stir, and let stand for 30 minutes. If the water does not taste and smell of chlorine at that point, add another dose of bleach and let stand for another 15 minutes.

Using Iodine or Chlorine Tablets

• Check the expiration date for the tablets before using. Follow the package directions. Usually one tablet is enough for one quart of water.
• Double the dose if the water is cloudy.

Flooding of Private Wells

Owners of private drinking water wells should take actions to ensure their private water supply is safe for consumption. When a water supply well has been affected by flood waters or has been damaged by a storm, the water within the well may be contaminated with germs that can cause serious illness in humans and pets. If you believe that your well has been contaminated, discontinue using your well water for drinking and cooking purposes; and use only disinfected or New York State certified bottled water. You may also consult the New York State Health Department website for further instructions at

http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/water/drinking/flooding/index.htm