Senator Phillips Discusses Need to Protect Long Island’s Water Supply With State Commissioners of Health and Environmental Conservation

     Senator Elaine Phillips (R-Manhasset) recently took part in a roundtable seminar with the State Commissioners of Health and Environmental Conservation to discuss efforts to protect Long Island’s drinking water, especially with regard to 1,4-dioxane.  

     “Ensuring our water remains safe will always be a priority of mine because clean drinking water is a necessity, not a luxury.  While state experts confirm that our water supply is safe, discovery of 1,4-dioxane at higher levels here than in other parts of the country is concerning.  I appreciate Commissioner Zucker and Commissioner Seggos coming to Long Island, listening to feedback and pledging their continued assistance to protect our drinking water.  It’s important that we continue working together,” said Senator Phillips.

     Senator Phillips, together with other state and local elected officials and representatives from local water districts, discussed the issue of 1,4-dioxane with the Commissioners and the need to take action to help water suppliers protect our drinking water.  Both Commissioners reiterated their strong commitment, as well as Governor Cuomo’s, to continuing the dialogue and dealing with this issue aggressively.

     As part of the discussion, the Commissioners announced that New York State would be acting to close a loophole exempting certain public water suppliers from testing for 1,4-dioxane.  Senator Phillips, who introduced legislation to require that all public water districts be tested for 1,4-dioxane, applauded the measure.

     “Whether they serve ten thousand people or ten people, public water providers should be testing for the same contaminants to reliably ensure water quality and safety.  1,4-dioxane is a contaminant that is emerging more and more, especially here on Long Island.  All water providers, large and small, should be tested for it.  I’m pleased that the Governor has directed the state’s Water Quality Rapid Response Team to ensure that happens,” Senator Phillips added.