DEP Biweekly Reports Folder 0049, 2000-2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

Cryptosporidiosis Case/Control Study DEP has received for review a revised draft of the NYCDOH Case/Control Study. This study was performed following an apparent increase in reported cryptosporidiosis in April and May 1999, and attempts to determine if there is a possible link between the rise in cases and City drinking water. This latest draft is much improved. Its most important conclusions are: 1) available data does not suggest the occurrence of a community-wide increase in illness (the observed increase was due to changes in testing procedures at a single laboratory), and 2) definitive conclusions about risk factors for illness cannot be made. DEP is currently reviewing the draft and will provide comments where necessary. Once finalized, the report will be submitted to EPA and NYSDOH.

Filter Clogging Complaints DEP has received two similar complaints from homeowners who use cartridge filter systems which clog frequently for their home water supplies. The complainants assume that this frequent clogging is indicative of poor water quality and in both cases cite considerable expense and inconvenience and demand action. Since small pore sized whole-house filter use is becoming more frequent, complaints such as these will become more common. Water quality staff have recommended that an in-house meeting be held to discuss this matter. The meeting will include representatives of water quality, public relations, legal, and perhaps Customer Services and will be held as soon as possible so that we may respond to the two outstanding complaints.

Westside Corporation DEP received a request from the office of State Senator Malcolm Smith to sample the homes of approximately 5,000 residents in proximity to an area once occupied by the Westside Corporation (an old commercial cleaning business), in Jamaica Queens, for tetrachloroethane. The Senator made this request because 20 years ago the Westside Corporation contaminated the ground in the area and the residents are concerned that this contamination will continue to effect their drinking water. Despite assurances that this is not the case because the drinking water in the area is mainly surface water, and the well water that supplements the surface water has no tetrachloroethane, there remains concern. In a conference call between DEP staff and a representative of the Senator's office, DEP agreed to do everything in its power to satisfy the residents, including meeting with elected officials and performing additional sampling. DEP would not, however, commit to an unnecessary sampling.

Distribution; Brooklyn On November 16, 2000 numerous low water pressure complaints were received by the Water Maintenance shop in the area of Carroll and Smith Streets. Regulators were checked in the area and were found to be in the normal pressure range. Two 20 inch valves were found closed at Atlantic Avenue and Bond Street, where DDC work is in progress. Water pressure was back to normal after the valves were opened.

Reservoir Operations; Jerome Reservoir Reservoir Operations began filling the North Basin of the Jerome Reservoir on Thursday, November 16, 2000 as part of our contingency plan if problems arise during the upcoming Delaware shutdown. The Reservoir is being filled approximately 2 feet per day and will be full by Monday, November 27, 2000. The filling of the Croton Aqueduct has been completed and it is currently being flushed at Shaft 25.

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NYC-WTC 000137934