Thousands of residents in Nassau County have been told not to drink their water Tuesday morning.

The gas additive chemical MTBE was found in the water system of the West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District. Water officials say the wells that contain MTBE were taken off line and the system is being flushed. The West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District is currently using a well from Garden City.

Only residents who use water from the West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District are affected. Residents in West Hempstead, parts of Franklin Square, Garden City South and Cathedral Gardens may be affected. Those told not to drink the water are urged to use bottled water for cooking, brushing their teeth and making ice. For more information residents are asked to call (516) 483-1180.

Water officials say they need two clean tests before the tap water can be deemed usable. They hope to have the chemical removed by Wednesday.

Related InformationWest Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District MTBE in Drinking Water EPA - Concerns about MTBEEPA - MTBE MTBE and Underground Storage Tanks