FAQs
Q: Is our tap water safe to drink?
A: The District routinely monitors drinking water quality. Each of our wells is tested before distribution. All test results are reviewed by the Nassau County Department of Health and must meet State and County limits or water cannot be distributed to the public. The Carle Place Water District is pleased to report that the water supplied to the community meets all the standards required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Health and the Nassau County Department of Health.
Educational Information: Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amount of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPS’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791).
Q: What is the source of the Carle Place Water District’s drinking water?
A: The water source for the Carle Place Water District is groundwater pumped from 4 wells (ranging from 353’ to 565’ in depth) located at three stations throughout the District. These wells are drilled into the Magothy Aquifer beneath Long Island.
Q: Why do I sometimes experience rusty water?
A: Most of the large water mains in the roadway are made of unlined cast iron and therefore build up a slight coating of harmless rust inside. Main breaks, hydrant flushing and fire department hydrant use produce very large flows of water through a main causing some of that rust to break loose, temporarily turning the water a reddish-brown color. The condition is harmless and not a health concern and will normally clear by itself quickly. Running your taps for ten to fifteen minutes is recommended as well as running a rinse cycle through your washing machine. If rusty water persists, give us a call; we can speed the clean up through hydrant flushing.
Q: Who is responsible for the repair of water service lines?
A: Property owners are responsible for the water service line and appurtenances from the curb box to their home.
Q: When is the addition of chlorine going to stop?
A: Part 5 of the New York State Sanitary Code requires all groundwater systems to chlorinate its water supplies. Waivers are no longer granted by the Nassau County Department of Health.
Q: Why do I have to pay for water that results from a leak?
A: The consumer is responsible for all the water that passes through the water meter including water caused by a leaking meter. Moreover, in the event a service line is leaking before the meter the District may estimate the cost of unmetered water.
Q: Is our water hard or soft?
A: Generally, the water is soft. For more information you can read the District’s Annual Drinking Water Quality Report on our Water Quality web page.
Q: Why do I need a backflow prevention device?
A: There are many reasons why the Carle Place Water District requires a backflow prevention device. The most common type is a double check valve. All residents with an underground sprinkler system or in-ground swimming pools are required to have a double-check backflow device installed and tested annually. Carle Place Water District employees are New York State certified backflow device prevention testers and will perform the service free of charge for residential customers.
Q: What does the Carle Place Water District add to our water?
A: Water is treated at each well site before entering the distribution system with sodium hydroxide for pH adjustment and corrosion control and is disinfected with calcium hypochlorite.
Q: Does the Carle Place Water District add fluoride to the drinking water?
A: No, the addition of fluoride is not a Health Department requirement.
Q: How do I find answers to additional questions?
A: Please feel free to email us at info@carleplacewater.org or call our office at (516) 333-0540.