The water district serves portions of Franklin Square, Garden City South, Cathedral Gardens and West Hempstead.
MTBE, a gasoline additive banned by New York State that can cause health problems after longterm exposure, was detected in two locations on Hempstead Avenue Monday, according to the water district Web site. The level of MTBE did not constitute an immediate threat, the Web site said.
Officials advised residents to use bottled water for drinking, cooking, brushing teeth and making ice. Since the chemical tends to evaporate into the air, using kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans when using water will reduce the amount of chemical in the air. Use of less water for bathing or cleaning will reduce exposure from breathing the vapors and through skin contact.
The public will be notified once all water quality samples are within New York State drinking water standards. For more information, call (516) 483-1180.
