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The Village of Hempstead on Long Island is urgently calling on federal and state governments to help fund a new \$55 million water treatment plant after years of dealing with highly contaminated drinking water. Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that Hempstead refuses to become "another Flint, Michigan."
The village has been grappling with dangerously high levels of 1,4 dioxane, a chemical the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has labeled a “probable human carcinogen.” In some areas, the contamination levels have been measured at 900% higher than what is permitted by New York State’s drinking water standards. Despite the alarming findings, the village has yet to receive the financial support it needs to replace its outdated water treatment facility.
The village’s more than 100-year-old water treatment plant is responsible for supplying water from nine wells, all of which are contaminated with 1,4 dioxane. The chemical, commonly found in products like laundry detergent and shampoos, has been seeping into the groundwater, raising concerns about the long-term health risks for the 55,000 residents of Hempstead. Local officials have already approved plans for a new facility, but they need federal assistance to alleviate the financial burden.
Mayor Hobbs, who has been in office since 2021, highlighted the economic challenges many residents face. With the median household income in Hempstead falling 41% below that of Nassau County, most residents are unable to afford alternatives like bottled water or water filters. This leaves the community vulnerable to the health risks posed by long-term exposure to contaminated water.
Although no cases of cancer have been directly linked to the village’s water supply, the community is not willing to take any risks. Mayor Hobbs and other officials are pushing for immediate action to protect current residents and future generations. “We want to make sure that we take care of it now,” Hobbs said, stressing the importance of safeguarding the village’s water for children and grandchildren.
The contamination issue is not unique to Hempstead. Long Island relies solely on groundwater aquifers for its drinking water, and similar contamination concerns have been raised across the region. PFAS, another harmful chemical, has also been detected in Long Island’s water supply, further highlighting the need for modern water treatment solutions.
Despite the approval of the $55 million project by the Village of Hempstead Board of Trustees, Mayor Hobbs remains hopeful that state and federal governments will step in to help fund the facility. He believes the village’s residents, who vote for both local and national representatives, deserve that support. “It’s their constituents,” Hobbs said, expressing his confidence that the government will act.
Source – CBS News
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