Officials offer water to Westhampton residents as precautionary measure

A toxic chemical is threatening water wells in Westhampton Beach. As a precautionary measure, Suffolk County is handing out water to people who own private wells in parts of Westhampton. The measure

News 12 Staff

Jul 25, 2016, 9:18 PM

Updated 3,071 days ago

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A toxic chemical is threatening water wells in Westhampton Beach.
As a precautionary measure, Suffolk County is handing out water to people who own private wells in parts of Westhampton.
The measure comes after New York's Department of Environmental Conservation discovered contamination around Gabreski Airport.
Officials are also knocking on doors to ask homeowners if they can test their private wells for two chemicals that are found in firefighting foam. Elevated levels of the two chemicals has been discovered in 13 public wells in Suffolk County.
The possibility of harmful contaminants in the water has Westhampton homeowners concerned. Kristi Garcia, a resident that used to get water from a private well, calls the situation "scary and terrifying."
"This is being done out of an abundance of caution. There is no need to be fearful. There is no imminent danger," says Dr. James Tomarken, Suffolk Health Services commissioner.
Water is available all week at the Westhampton Beach Village Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Residents need to bring their driver's license and utility bill.