The Scope of the Problem
NY-01 faces a water quality crisis threatening the region's sole-source aquifer:
Nitrogen Pollution
380K
Buildings on septic/cesspools
40 lbs
Nitrogen per system/year
70%
Bay nitrogen from septic
Result: Harmful algal blooms, collapsed shellfish populations, degraded bays
PFAS Contamination
- "Forever chemicals" from military bases, industrial sites, firefighting foam
- BOMARC Missile Base: 26 of 28 monitoring wells contaminated
- Health effects include cancer, immune system damage, developmental problems
- Contamination plumes spreading in groundwater
Septic System Conversion Program
Current Programs
Progress to Date
- Suffolk County "Reclaim Our Water" Program: 2,553 advanced systems installed since 2017
- Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act: $4.2 billion fund via 1/8 cent sales tax (approved 2024)
- State septic grant program: $30 million in 2025
Accelerating Progress
Mandatory Conversion at Property Transfer
- Require septic upgrade or sewer connection when property is sold
- Phase in by watershed priority areas (most impaired first)
- Combined with grant/loan program to maintain affordability
- Model: Maryland's Critical Area Commission
Expanded Financing Options
- PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing: Repayment through property tax bill, stays with property if sold
- Utility bill financing: Spread cost over 20 years on water bill
- CDFI loans: Community Development Financial Institution loans for low-income homeowners
- Federal Clean Water State Revolving Fund: For larger sewer projects
Sewer Extension Strategy
- Prioritize areas near transit stations (enables housing density)
- Regional wastewater authority to coordinate planning across jurisdictions
- Federal infrastructure funding for major trunk lines
- Integrate with housing production goals
Agricultural Best Management Practices
- Cost-share for precision fertilizer application technology
- Cover crop incentives (reduce nutrient runoff)
- Riparian buffer programs
- Nutrient trading program allowing developers to fund agricultural improvements
PFAS Remediation
Current Status
- Suffolk County Water Authority achieved 4 ppt PFAS standard six years early
- 17 granular activated carbon treatment systems installed
- Ongoing monitoring and remediation at contaminated sites
Federal Partnership Needs
- Superfund designation for worst sites
- Department of Defense funding for military base contamination
- EPA technical assistance for emerging contaminants
- Research funding for new treatment technologies