In a proactive measure to safeguard the public health of the community, the Plainview Water District began its trial last week in a landmark case against several oil companies for leaks and spills at three gas stations in the Plainview area.

Residents should rest assured that their drinking water is currently safe and free from any contamination, according to the commissioners of the water district. The Plainview Water District initiated this lawsuit as a means to protect their customers from bearing the financial burden of a costly environmental cleanup. The district's lead trial lawyer, Paul J. Napoli of Napoli Bern in New York City, praised the board of commissioners for its courage in taking such early and preventative action to protect the public water supply wells.

Originally filed in 2001, the suit charges that Exxon Mobil and Gulf are responsible for the thorough cleanup of pollution caused by the spills. While Plainview's water supply has not been affected, the legal action is intended to prevent any potential encroachment of the pollution toward the supply wells.

The outcome of the water district's suit may have far-reaching implications, as it is one of the few cases where a water supplier has taken legal action before any contamination has occurred. There are currently a number of lawsuits pending nationwide, though most involve wells that have already been tainted.

The Plainview Water District is committed to the protection of our precious drinking water supply, and will continue to vigilantly monitor this situation to ensure that the residents of Plainview and Old Bethpage receive clean and reliable water at all times.