ROSLYN WATER DISTRICT: EMERGING CONTAMINANTS

The Commissioners of the Roslyn Water District are providing an update on our ongoing efforts to supply water that meets or surpasses all drinking water standards, including proactive monitoring and treatment planning for emerging contaminants, a class of chemicals that are identified but not yet subject to regulation.

With increasing frequency, the local media have been publishing articles about public water suppliers and proposed governmental regulations relating to emerging contaminants. Public water suppliers are among the most heavily regulated entities in the nation. In fact, there are not many products consumed by the public that are more heavily regulated than tap water. Despite concern with the overall accuracy of some of these articles, the Roslyn Water District embraces this new attention because it draws much needed public awareness to our most precious, vital and finite resource.

The District has been monitoring our water supply for regulated and emerging contaminants for years and publishing the test results in our required Annual Water Quality Report mailed to our consumers.

Currently, the New York State Department of Health is in the process of setting drinking water standards for three emerging contaminants: 1,4-dioxane, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These manmade chemicals persist in the environment for a very long time and have entered our water supply after decades of use in industrial manufacturing and household goods. To date, no Roslyn Water District supply well has had detections of 1,4-dioxane over the NYSDOH proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 1.0 part per billion. All samples collected for PFOS and PFOA show concentrations below the current EPA lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion. 

Although the state health department has not yet adopted relevant drinking water standards, we have already taken proactive steps by conducting treatment pilot studies. If treatment is needed for compliance with new standards, we will have the necessary systems designed and installed in a timely manner. 

We have initiated a vigorous testing protocol to take routine samples for emerging contaminants. This aggressive testing has shown that on one occasion, one Roslyn well sample collected in 2019 showed PFOS levels at 12.6 parts per trillion and PFOA at 13.3 parts per trillion. All previous and subsequent sampling from this well show concentrations below the New York State Department of Health’s anticipated MCL of 10 parts per trillion, the most stringent level in the nation. The sample results from the remaining wells within the District have come back non-detect or at levels below the State’s proposed guidelines.

Most public water suppliers on Long Island will be impacted by the proposed standards for emerging contaminants—some more than others—and the expenses associated with the water treatment systems needed. Clearly, our residents should not have to bear the entire financial burden; they are not the ones responsible for the contamination. For this reason, the Roslyn Water District has filed lawsuits to hold those responsible for the presence of emerging contaminants in our water supply financially accountable for the costs associated with the treatment needed to remove these pollutants from our water supply. This, coupled with nearly $4.5 million in grant funding awarded to the Roslyn Water District for up to 60 percent of the total project capital costs, will hopefully minimize residents’ financial burden.

Local control of our water supply remains as crucial and beneficial as it did when the District was first established because the Commissioners who oversee the operations, reside in the District. Our dedication is premised on a responsibility and accountability to the residents of our community. As we continue our emerging contaminant surveillance program, we will keep you informed. Our mission has not changed since 1910: to supply high-quality affordable water to you and the community we all treasure.

Very truly yours,
Commissioners of the Roslyn Water District