By Lauralyn Avallone
Residents of Baldwin from south on Grand to north on Alhambra, have been trying to cope with brown water that has been coming out of water faucets and shower heads, staining laundry and bathroom tiles. In an August 3 issue of the Herald, Baldwinites expressed frustration toward Long Island Water, who they feel, has not handled the problem effectively. Customers have accused the water company of giving "rehearsed answers" in response to complaints and implying customers spend hundreds of dollars replacing water heaters.
Long Island Water denied allegations that suggestions were ever made to replace hot water heaters but has agreed take to action to help the problem. A recent letter to the Herald dated August 14, from L.I. Water spokesperson GJ Penza, said that L.I. Water along with their parent company, American Water Works, is taking steps in making changes in water treatment and pumping stations.
The letter, which started off by saying "based on recent concerns of discolored water, we wanted our customers to know the company is doing something about it," said in order to meet Baldwin's needs in particular, L.I. Water has stopped using one of the wells at the Dartmouth Street station, which has a high iron level. The well will only be used if summer demands for water significantly increase.
Also, the company has adjusted the timing and level of the stabilizer used to control iron in the water. The stabilizer, according to L.I. Water, is what prevents the iron from creating a brown tint in drinking water or staining laundry and fixtures.
A new maintenance program has also been ordered in which, according to Ms. Penza the company has, "new personnel, is re-training current personnel, and upgrading equipment" so that problems will be detected and remedied quicker.
Cathy Curcio-Payne, whose biggest problem is stained laundry and bathroom tiles, including a brand new toilet, said she's happy to hear that L.I. Water is making changes for the better and still hopes that something will be done about her stains. She, however, disagrees with Ms. Penza's tip of emptying the hot water heater once a week in order to avoid iron sediment build-up, which was offered in the previous article. "I don't want to empty 50 gallons of water out of my tank once a week. It's a waste of water and since it's heated water, it's a waste of energy," she said.
"I can understand thinking that," said Ms. Penza. "Nothing that helps people is a waste, it will improve water quality. Wasting water is when you brush your teeth and let the unused water run down the drain." She added, "Iron sediment is not an uncommon problem."
Nancy Yomtov, who has long battled with brown water, said that since the last article L.I. Water has taken some action in helping her combat her dilemma. So far, her water has been tested twice on behalf of L.I. Water and is safe. The water company gave her Corr Brite rust and stain remover for her washing machine, and five workers from L.I. water are working diligently on pulling up the street so they can connect Ms. Yomtov to another main.
"It's a shame it had to come to this to happen," said Ms. Yomtov. And as for the news about a filtration plant coming to Baldwin, Ms. Yomtov said, "That's wonderful. I hope they do that, it's obviously needed."
"L.I. Water is a monopoly. We don't have another choice. So I'm glad they're taking responsibility," she said.
While building the filtration plant is one step in the right direction, Ms. Penza said replacing the water mains, which usually last 100 years or so, is also not totally out of the question. "It would depend upon the individual street location, the size of the main. It may be on the list already," she said.
