Village of Hempstead calls for help with water problem

Officials gathered Wednesday in the Village of Hempstead to call on state and federal officials for financial help with overhauling the village’s water system, which is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars.

The problem is high levels of 1,4 dioxane in the water — levels well above the standard which was adopted by New York state.

Consulting engineer Bob Holzmacher told News 12 that “in order to accommodate the needed treatment, we’re basically going to end up rebuilding the entire plant.”

Mayor Waylyn Hobbs said they don’t want to “panic” residents but they do want to keep them informed.

A spokesperson for the governor said in a statement: "Gov. Hochul is committed to protecting clean water and public health, which is why she has secured $5.5 billion in funding for clean water, including $700 million for Long Island and $72 million exclusively for the Town of Hempstead."