Phoenix (WSYR-TV) - Last month, the Oswego County Health Department found disease-causing organisms that may include bacteria, parasites, and viruses in two Village of Phoenix wells. But more recent tests by an independent company hired by the village show the main water supply to be clear of contamination. A back-up well did, however, have algae, which can be harmful.
Approximately one month passed between the time the county conducted the study and the time the Village notified residents.
Resident Kevin Kurzinski is concerned about the water and wonders why he wasn't warned about the possible contamination sooner.
"The people I have spoken to just have a lot of upset stomachs and just haven't felt well," he said.
He believes residents should have been warned of the county's examination's results sooner.
"It would have allowed us to take a faster action and purchase water in a more timely manner than we have," Kurzinski said.
Village Attorney Steven Primo says the municipality acted in accordance with acceptable standards.
"There's a time period and we sent that out within the time period," Primo said. "We did want to have subsequent testing before the notice went out."
The village believes the unusual amount of rainfall saturated the ground and caused surface water to leak into the drinking supply. They say the chlorine level was immediately raised to treat the water.
Now, the Department of Health is requiring the Village to determine a better solution before November 2012.
"Maybe the site has to be filled a bit more so in the future when we have heavy rain or a tough spring, that we're not going to have a lot of standing water," Primo said.
Until then, the Village's Water Department is conducting daily tests. The independent firm will also conduct their own tests to make sure contamination has not crept back into the system.
The Village has not received any reports of illness from the drinking water. They're recommending anyone with concerns contact their physicians for advice and necessary precautions. Infants and people with weakened immune systems are more at risk.
The Village has established an information line at (315) 695-2484 to update residents on the situation.
