City officials warn residents against water tests scams

Posted

City officials have warned residents about solicitors claiming to be city employees trying to sell water testing kits.

More than a month after E. coli traces were found in a routine testing sample of the city’s drinking water, the city released a statement on Thursday, cautioning residents about individuals that claim to be affiliated with the town’s water department in order to try to sell testing kits.

“These individuals are not affiliated with or endorsed by the city,” officials said in a statement on the city’s website. “Actual city employees are easily identified by their uniforms and credentials, and will never engage in solicitation.”

In a public forum on July 24, Long Beach Public Works Commissioner John Mirando said the city spends $60,000 a year testing the city’s drinking water. He alluded to individuals that were given out free water tests and warned residents that those tests were a “gimmick” to try to sell water filtration systems.

Long Beach Fire Commissioner Scott Kemins said that employees from Home Depot have knocked on his door and tried to sell him water testing kits. He added that they also offered to come into his home and test the water, but he declined.

The city advises all residents to remain vigilant and to contact the Department of Public Works if they wish to verify the employment status of any individual. Residents can reach the Department of Public Works at (516) 431-1011.