Long Island’s Drinking Water has Most Contaminants in State

Long Island’s drinking water has been found to have a higher presence of emerging contaminants compared to other regions in the state, according to a review by the New York Public Interest Research Group.

The review, based on data collected between 2013 and 2016, found that about 16 million New Yorkers may be affected by at least one emerging contaminant. The findings were published in late May.

The report emphasized that while the presence of some emerging contaminants was detected above federal health advisory levels, it was unclear if certain detections were a direct health concern.

Emerging contaminants are substances that either weren’t previously known, weren’t detectable with past technology, or were not present in the water supply before, as explained by Christopher Gobler, a marine sciences professor at Stony Brook University.

These contaminants include industrial chemicals, wastewater byproducts, and components from household and personal-care products.

Unlike New York City’s water supply, which is sourced from protected upstate reservoirs, Long Island’s water comes from underground aquifers, which can be more vulnerable to contamination.

The report also recommended expanding testing for emerging contaminants in all public water systems, strengthening safety standards, requiring testing of private household wells, and barring the use of certain chemicals until proven safe.

On Long Island, chemicals like 1,4 dioxane, a likely carcinogen, and PFAS chemicals have been detected at high levels. 1,4 dioxane is a byproduct of industrial solvents and household products.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo addressed the issue, stating that water quality is a significant concern across the state. He highlighted a $3 billion state program aimed at testing, filtration, and upgrading infrastructure. Cuomo also mentioned that $200 million of the funding is earmarked for municipalities.

Gober emphasized that while the quality of Long Island’s drinking water varies, some areas, like those served by the Suffolk County Water Authority, manage their water resources well. He noted the importance of testing private wells for contaminants as well.

The Long Island Water Conference, which represents local drinking water providers, reiterated that Long Island’s water suppliers work diligently to meet or exceed all state and federal standards, collaborating with regulators on new standards to ensure the safety of residents.

Adrienne Esposito from the Citizens Campaign for the Environment expressed that the challenges regarding drinking water on Long Island were not new to residents. She pointed out that these contaminants stem from both the area’s industrial history and ongoing activities like the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Esposito concluded, “Everything we do on Long Island impacts the quality of the water underneath our feet.”