Long Beach water undrinkable

At a press conference earlier today, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano stressed to the people of Long Beach not to drink or use any water.

"In the City of Long Beach, you cannot drink the water, you cannot brush your teeth with the water, you cannot shower with the water, nor can you boil it to purify it," Mangano said. "You must seek bottled water, which we’re working with the officials down there to deliver." The contamination only affects those who are customers of the Long Beach Water District.

Mangano also said that the sewer system in Long Beach is not operational.

The city estimated that, out of its 35,000 residents, as many as 15,000 to 20,000 decided to stay and face the storm. "It’s very, very concerning when you have that amount of people with limited or no water or sanitary ability," Mangano said.

Mangano asked the people of Long Beach who were able to evacuate to the home of a friend or family member. Public transportation options are being set up to assist with that, Mangano said. Roads in and out of Long Beach have been reopened to emergency personnel and residents only.

The County Executive urged residents of Long Beach to relocate and go to the home of a friend or family member. "We understand that many of them don’t have power, but if they have drinkable water and an operating sanitary system and you’re in Long Beach, you’d still be better off coming out of Long Beach and relocating to a place that has more of those comforts available," said Mangano.