August 19, 2014 - South Farmingdale, NY - The South Farmingdale Water District (SFWD), which serves South Farmingdale, North Massapequa as well as parts of 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.
South Farmingdale Water District wants to ensure consumers are aware that it is rare for anyone from the District (SFWD) to show up at a home or business unannounced. In fact, 99.9% of water district visits to residents’ homes are by appointment. Even in the event of an emergency such as a water main break, the District 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 having doubts about someone’s identity should close the door and contact the police immediately.
SFWD 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.
South Farmingdale Water District Commissioners 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 9-1-1 and immediately report any unusual activity around water well sites witnessed as well as any suspicions involving any vans, trucks or persons who do not look as if they are conducting official water business.
Consumers should not hesitate or feel awkward about contacting authorities. While, many times 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, South Farmingdale Water District 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, via phone, (516) 249-3330, or visit www.sfwater.com.