Damn! Polluted water in my town!

From: Newsday Online

Water advisory issued in West Hempstead

BY WIL CRUZ
Newsday Staff Writer
June 27, 2006, 10:39 AM EDT

A health advisory has been issued in West Hempstead, warning area residents not to drink or use water for cooking, brushing teeth or making ice, officials said.

The West Hempstead-Hempstead Gardens Water District said high levels of Methyl Tert-Butyl Ether, or MTBE, were detected yesterday at two locations on Hempstead Avenue.

State standards for MTBE, a fuel additive that can cause long-term health problems if exposed to drinking water for extended periods of time, is 10 micrograms per liter. The levels detected yesterday were 14 micrograms per liter.

Officials stressed that the MTBE at those levels does not constitute an immediate threat.

Still, the district, which serves West Hempstead and portions of Franklin Square, Garden City South and Cathedral Gardens, urged residents in those areas not use drinking water. Instead, they suggested using bottled water.

Also, the district recommended using kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans when using water -- say, for quick showers or baths -- since the chemical tends to evaporate in the air.

Officials from the district could not be reached this morning.

The Nassau County Health Department said it is investigating and cooperating with the district.