Water Service back to Peekskill Neighborhood Hit by Fire

Update, 10:30 p.m.: Edward Khuns, Peekskill's water and sewer superintendent, announced that water service was returned to Peekskill Towers and Hudson Apartments.

His statement during Tuesday's Common Council work session did not signal the end of the health department's advisory for residents not to drink, bath or use the water for bathing is still in effect.

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Water department workers said Tuesday afternoon that they were trying to adjust the pressure water lines leading to the Peekskill Towers and Hudson View Estates.

But even if the water is turned back on, its quality is still unknown.

Heather McGill, a spokeswoman for the Westchester County Department of Heath, said residents in Hudson View and the Peekskill Towers are still being advised not to drink, brush their teeth or bath wash in the water until tests are completed to check for the presence of the AFFF foam used to extinguish last week’s fire.

Residents have had water issues ever since a secondary water main broke in the area of Highland Avenue and Garfield Street Thursday. The main broke after firefighters drew water from a hydrant in that area to fight the Hudson View fire.

There have been at least three additional water main breaks since Thursday, and workers have been scrambling to restore service.

An advisory calling for some residents on Pemart Avenue and Lakeview Drive to boil their tap water also remains in effect, according to McGill.

Bob Knight, a spokesman for the city’s Common Council, said officials planned to answer questions from the public during tonight’s meeting.

The Common Council meets tonight at 7:30 p.m. at city hall. The meeting will be preceded by a worker session at 6:30 p.m. There are no public comment periods during board work sessions.