Dix Hills boil-water order lifted

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services Sunday lifted its boil-water warning for customers of Dix Hills Water District.

All 21 water samples taken Saturday tested negative for coliform bacteria, Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone said in a news release.

"The county's action confirms that the district's water is safe for consumption without boiling," he said.

About 8,000 district customers, including residents and businesses, began receiving the boil-water notice on Friday after coliform bacteria turned up in two samples taken Tuesday and Wednesday during routine tests.

The order was imposed "to preserve the health and safety of Dix Hills Water District customers," town spokesman A.J. Carter said last week, noting that the district had "a long history of good water."

Notices that went out Friday advised residents to boil water used in preparing food, mixing baby formula, washing dishes, making ice or brushing teeth.

In 2007, some bacteria were detected in district water samples and officials began chlorinating.

That program was discontinued in 2009 when tests showed it was no longer necessary.