The South Farmingdale Water District (SFWD), which serves South Farmingdale, North Massapequa as well as parts of Massapequa Park, Bethpage and Seaford, is urging all consumers to use caution in the event that someone claiming to be a water district employee appears at the doorstep for the purposes of reading a water meter or confirming a leak. These are typically unscrupulous people who look for ways to further their criminal intent.
Homeowners should be aware of a recent incident in Wantagh. On Monday, Dec. 19, according to the Nassau County Police Department, three male Hispanics who claimed to work for the water department entered a Wantagh home. “One of the suspects displayed identification and the homeowner let them in. Two suspects went in the basement while the third suspect made his way upstairs. They told the victim they needed to check the water meter and sinks to determine if the water had iodine in it after a neighbor became sick. The suspects were in the home approximately 30 minutes before fleeing on foot in an unknown direction. After they left the victim discovered an undisclosed amount of cash and checks were missing from the upstairs bedroom.”
It is rare for anyone from the SFWD to show up at a home or business unannounced. In fact, 99.9 percent of water district visits to a resident’s home are scheduled by appointment in advance. Even in the event of an emergency such as a water main break, SFWD will notify consumers in advance of any planned water service disruption, never needing to enter a home. If someone comes to a consumer’s home or business claiming to be a water district employee, it is important that consumers ask to see his or her identification card. Anyone experiencing doubts about someone’s identity should close the door and contact the police immediately.
SFWD recently completed its water meter upgrade project, and there is no reason why an employee would revisit the home or business.
The district also urges all residents to do their part and be cognizant of any suspicious activity near water well sites and plants. While domestic terrorism has been at a very low level this past year, Homeland Security has encouraged the district to be more vigilant in the safeguarding of our natural resources at all times. In conjunction with this heightened effort, the District plans to further upgrade security by adding additional cameras to all locations.
SFWD Business Manager Len Constantinopoli commented, “Our consumers are good citizens, and we have had no incidents within our District thanks to their help and cooperation. We ask everyone to be cognizant and to remain conscious of anything that appears to be unusual.”
SFWD advises consumers to call 911 and immediately report any unusual activity around water well sites as well as any suspicions involving vans, trucks or persons who do not look as if they are conducting official water business.
Consumers should not hesitate about contacting the authorities. While there are times that such reports end up being a false alarm, SWFD believes it is better to be proactive in being overcautious than to ignore or overlook any suspicious activity or presence. The SFWD thanks all residents for their ongoing cooperation in assisting with these important matters of security and public safety.
Since 1931, SFWD has been providing clean, quality water to the communities it serves, including South Farmingdale, North Massapequa, and parts of Bethpage, Seaford, and Massapequa Park. For more information please contact the South Farmingdale Water District’s office at 40 Langdon Road, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Telephone 516-249-3330, or visit www.sfwater.com.
