Discolored Tap Water Leads To Odd/Even System In Hampton Bays

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — Increased water discoloration has led to an "odd/even" lawn watering system in Hampton Bays until further notice.

According to the Hampton Bays Water District, "increased water discoloration" led to the new protocol.

"Measures are being taken to clean the system of some rust problems in some areas of the hamlet," Hampton Bays Water District officials said. "Some areas of Hampton Bays may have experienced discolored tap water in the early mornings. The problem will clear up within a short period of time. The discoloration is due to iron in the pipes but it poses no health risk."

Iron from the pipes is common, the Hampton Bays Water District said; the reason there is additional iron in the water is because there's a strain on the system until the well field in downtown Hampton Bays is brought back on line. The well field in downtown Hampton Bays has been off line while a carbon filtration system is being installed, officials said.

Although the work is largely complete, water samples must be analyzed prior to putting the well field into service. It may take two weeks before the laboratory results are available. Without the well field in operation, water from other well fields are moving through the system and dislodging iron particles at a higher velocity creating the water discoloration, the Hampton Bays Water District said.

Residents of Hampton Bays are being required to irrigate lawns on an odd/even number system.

"If your street address is an even number you are permitted to water on an even numbered calendar day. The reverse for odd numbered street addresses applies," the release said.

The Hampton Bays Water District apologized for any inconvenience and said they are doing their best to bring the downtown system back on line. Some residents may also experience low water pressure when the Water District conducts periodic flushing through fire hydrants to help clear the system, the district added.

Anyone with questions is advised to call the Hampton Bays Water District at 631-728-0179.

Patch courtesy photo.