Water main replacement schedule announced

It’s finally spring time after a long , hard winter, and that’s a relief for many in our area who are waiting for the promises of of the season: warmer climes, flowering trees — and the New York American Water company’s pledge to replace aged water mains on select Malverne streets.

According to Ozzie Huertas, building superintendent at Malverne Village Hall, the New York American Water company has already filed for and received permits to begin work this spring on Norwood Avenue, Nassau Avenue, King Street, Carrolton Place, Ilsley Place, and Lindner Place. “They’re starting in May,” said Huertas. “It will be mentioned at the next board meeting. All homeowners affected will be notified.”

On April 27, the public relations agency for New York American Water gave the Herald the following timeline for water main replacement:

Week of May 4th: Malverne Ave. from Cornwell Ave. to Hempstead Ave.

Week of May 11th: Nassau Ave. from Ogston Terrace to Hempstead Ave., including Lindner Pl., Ilsley Pl., King St., and Carrolton Pl. from Malverne Ave. to Nassau Ave.

Week of May 25th: Ogston Terr. from Alnwick Rd. to Sydney Ave.

Week of June 1st: Norwood Ave. from Cornwell Ave. to Hempstead Ave.

These streets represent a total of 8,100 feet of water main replacement.

Other streets the water company said would be scheduled for water main replacement this year also include Malverne Avenue and Ogston Terrace.

Village residents has been actively complaining to the water company about the ongoing problem of brown water for the past four years, which has been subsequently catching the attention of several businesses — like Long Island Clean Water Service. The Plainview-based company recently sent a mailer to residents in Malverne and the surrounding areas, offering a free test to determine the metals, hardness, chlorine, nitrates, iron and dissolved solids in the water. Company principal, Madeline Schmidt, said Malverne water “is not the cheapest fix in the world” because it is so full of sediment and rust. She added, “We actually will come test the water right at your sink and answer your questions.” Her company’s whole-house water filtration systems run from $2,400-$4,000. Several Malverne residents have gotten quotes from the company that ran as high as $5,000.