Letter: Water Contamination On Long Island

This letter, signed by Long Island legislators, is addressed to Andrew R. Wheeler, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency:

Dear Administrator Wheeler,

We are writing to request increased assistance and resources for Long Island to help protect residents from the various contaminants and pollutants found in our drinking water. The quality of water being supplied to Long Island homes has been compromised by a combination of contaminants, requiring prompt action from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

A 2019 study by the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) indicated that Long Island has some of the most contaminated drinking water in New York State, with Nassau County having the highest number of water systems with emerging contaminants. Contaminants such as 1,4 dioxane and per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected at levels above the EPA’s reference concentrations, which are based on health assessments.

We are concerned by the slow response from the EPA in establishing a nationwide safe drinking water standard, which could take years to implement. PFAS contamination is widespread on Long Island and has been linked to various health issues. Many wells have been affected, requiring costly treatment systems to address this problem. For example, a carbon filtration treatment system for PFAS can cost approximately $1 million per well. The New York State Department of Health has estimated that over 600 public water facilities across the state will need treatment, at an estimated cost of $850 million, with annual operating costs of $45 million.

Another dangerous contaminant in Long Island’s drinking water is 1,4 dioxane, a synthetic chemical found in household products and recognized by the EPA as a likely carcinogen. Hundreds of Long Island wells have tested positive for 1,4 dioxane, and filtering this chemical out of the water could cost $2 million per well. The highest levels of 1,4 dioxane in the nation have been found in Nassau and Suffolk County water supplies.

The challenges of addressing water contamination on Long Island go beyond PFAS and 1,4 dioxane. Water suppliers are also grappling with nitrogen run-off, trace pharmaceutical drugs, several Superfund sites, saltwater intrusion into aquifers, and a radium plume associated with the former Northrup Grumman site in Bethpage.

Given the serious nature of these challenges, we urge you to prioritize the development of a maximum contaminant level for PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4 dioxane. We also request that the EPA provide additional financial and technical support to water providers and regulators to help protect the health of Long Island residents.

Thank you in advance for your consideration.

—Kathleen Rice (NY-04)
Peter King (NY-02)
Lee Zeldin (NY-01)
Tom Suozzi (NY-03)