Health officials on Long Island will test private wells in East Hampton for drinking water contaminants.
Officials say the tests are “out of an abundance of caution” and will begin next week.
Elevated levels of contaminants have been found near the now-closed East Hampton Town landfill and other waste facilities. Properties located closest to a possible contamination source will be sampled first.
Homes that are connected to the public water supply will not be sampled because public supplies are tested regularly.
The tests are free for residents. The health department plans to sample about 400 private wells in the next 12 to 14 weeks.
