Emerging Contaminants

Emerging contaminants are substances being discovered in drinking water sources throughout the country. Every five years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts out a list of a maximum of 30 unregulated contaminants that water providers are required to test and monitor. This action stems from the agency’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR), which is a program to collect data for contaminants that are suspected to be present in drinking water and do not have health-based standards set under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

1,4-dioxane and PFOA/PFOS were analytes sampled for under UCMR 3 which has led to detections in water sources throughout the country. 1,4-dioxane specifically has been detected in 70 percent of Long Island’s water wells, including the Plainview groundwater wells at levels ranging from 0.19 to 11 parts per billion (ppb).

The Plainview Water District (PWD) has proactively taken measures to pilot our affected Well Sites and purchase AOP equipment for immediate treatment ahead of an expected MCL for 1,4-dioxane from the NYSDOH. We have secured funding in the form of a Bond from the Town of Oyster Bay while continuing to seek out grants to offset these costs for the benefit of our customers. PWD has plans in place for treatment facilities at all impacted sites by 2026. We are committed to staying ahead of the curve in our aggressive action plan. This advanced planning will place the District in a very favorable position to implement wellhead treatment as quickly as possible to meet consumer demand and comply with regulations.

1,4 -dioxane molecule.

On August 26, 2020, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) finalized a set of MCLs for 1,4-dioxane, PFOA and PFOS.

  • 1,4-Dioxane MCL is set at 1.0 ug/L or 1 part per billion
  • PFOA and PFOS MCL’s are set at 1 ng/L or 1 part per trillion