Archive for Utility News

Middle Farms Pond Notice

Restoring Middle Farms Pond

FISHERS ISLAND WATER WORKS CORPORATION
October 22, 2017

Middle Farms Pond has become contaminated with elevated levels of nitrates, turbidity, bacteria and algae. Although the causes are not yet clear, human activities, including potential septic leeching and fertilizer run-off, as well as boating, fishing and swimming are all potential contributing factors.

The risks are serious. For example, nitrates can cause algae blooms. While not all algae blooms are toxic, some produce a type of toxin called microcystis that can cause serious liver damage under certain conditions.

Fishers Island Water Works Corporation owns the pond and is responsible for monitoring its quality. Under the Fishers Island Water Protection Standards adopted by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services in 1997, we are also responsible for monitoring compliance with land use restriction that apply to the surrounding primary watershed.

To start the process of restoring the health of the pond, we are placing it off limits to the public. Various information and warning notices will be posted around the pond.

The absence of human activity will facilitate testing the pond water to identify the causes of contamination and target efforts to eliminate them. We have already sent notices to surrounding landowners, requesting their help in identifying potential sources of contamination in the watershed, particularly on ground sloping toward the pond and any level areas within150 yards of the shore. Fertilizers, pesticides, septic tanks and fuel storage tanks are among the possible hazards. Earlier this year we welded shut an access point where tank trucks were tapping into the pond with potentially contaminated hoses.

Closing Middle Farms Pond to boating will address another threat: the potential introduction of the invasive Zebra mussel. This fingernail-size mussel can attach itself to a boat or paddleboard that is used in another body of water and then used in Middle Farms Pond. There would be no way to eradicate the bivalve from the pond once that happens.

By removing sources of contamination and avoiding a mussel infestation, the pond could have water that is potable with little filtration within a few years. Although we are moving to produce more water from wells, preserving both Middle Farms and Barlow Ponds as back-up reservoirs is an important part of our strategy for assuring ample water supply despite the uncertainties of climate change. During droughts in the 1960s, for example, water was pumped from Middle Farms Pond to Barlow Pond for filtration and distribution into the island’s water mains.

Everyone’s understanding and cooperation with this initiative will be very much appreciated. We know that Middle Farms Pond has been enjoyed by boaters, fishermen and swimmers. Yet, we strongly believe that conserving this natural resource is part of responsible environmental stewardship and in the best interest of the water supply for the entire island community.

Please feel free to contact company President, Chris Finan, or Water Superintendent, Chad Mrowka, on 631-788-7251 with any questions.

 

click below to download PDF of notice

Restoring Middle Farms Pond

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Well Progress Summer 2016

On Monday, August 15, 2016, the Water Works joined with Subsurface Technologies, Inc. to begin a two week process of cleaning Sima Well 1, which is one of the two wells currently in use on Fishers Island.

The Fishers Island Water Works superintendent, Chad Mrowka, is proud to announce that he has already seen major progress in the cleaning of Sima Well 1.

The short video below is an example of the great progress we’ve made so far.

This post will be updated as more information becomes available, so please check back in!

 

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Summer 2016 Water Restriction

 

Dear neighbors,

The Fishers Island Water Works Corp. is asking everyone to help conserve water. Watering restrictions were put in place July 5, 2016 for irrigation and sprinkler systems.

Water restrictions include:

-Irrigation of lawns, gardens, and plantings is restricted to one day a week.

-Refilling or topping off swimming pools of any kind are prohibited.

-Please defer other exterior uses of water such as washing cars or house windows.

 

If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call Chad Mrowka at 631-788-7422 or the main office at 631-788-7251.

Thank you for your cooperation and compliance.

 

Click here to view the official letter from the Fishers Island Water Works superintendent.

UPDATE: July 25, 2016

Click here for a community update on the Fishers Island water restriction.

 

Update: August 15, 2016

Click here for the newest community update on the Fishers Island Water Restriction.

 

 

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Changes on How to Dial Locally

10 digit dialingThe FCC now requires Ten digit dialing (area code + seven digit number) in our area code (631) due to the new area code (934) overlay recently added to Suffolk County.

Fishers Island is now ten digit compliant.

 

What this means to you…

When calling locally, you must dial 10 digits.

Example:  631-788-7001

When calling long distance, including the 631 area code off the Island, you must first dial (1) + area code + calling number.

 

Please contact our office, 631-788-7001, with any questions

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PAY YOUR BILL ON LINE

Fishers Island Utility Customers:

You have asked and we have responded, we now have an online option for paying your utility bill!

The Credit/Debit Card option allows you to make a payment using a Visa, MasterCard or Discover directly on our website. In addition to online credit card payment we are also accepting online payment by check.

Simply go to www.fiuc.net Home page and click on the “pay my bill” link on the top left of the page and you will be directed to our payment page. Once on the payment page simply follow the directions and your payment will be submitted to us. You will need your account number and amount due. This information can be found on your statement. Once your payment is accepted you will receive a receipt in your email. Please be aware that a 3% charge for credit card payments or a $4.95 charge per check payment will be added to your amount due by the processing company.

Coming soon view your bill online and receive an electronic version of your bill directly to your email.

If you have any questions please contact Cheryl Wheeler at the utility office at 631-788-7251 x2002.

Thank you,

Chris Finan, President
Fishers Island Utility Co.

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