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A new report released Thursday highlights that Long Island’s drinking water quality is steadily improving, thanks to stricter state and federal guidelines and mandatory chemical filtration by water suppliers. Although some water districts still exceed safety limits, there is noticeable progress across the region.
The improvement in water quality has been attributed to the adoption of some of the nation’s strongest drinking water standards. "The water that we are delivering has been treated and is now meeting, even surpassing, federal and state standards," said Daniel Dubois of the Suffolk County Water Authority.
Public awareness and concern have played a key role in pushing for better water regulations. Farmingdale homeowner Mark Sweeney stressed the importance of water safety, noting its significance to families in areas with a history of contamination, such as near Grumman.
Long Island residents use 70% more water than the national average, largely due to lawn irrigation and golf courses, putting pressure on the area’s vast but limited aquifer. This has prompted ongoing efforts to track harmful chemicals like 1,4-dioxane and PFAs, both linked to severe health risks. Additionally, the high water consumption has raised concerns about the sustainability of the region’s water supply, particularly as climate change threatens to exacerbate drought conditions. Efforts to address these challenges are further complicated by Long Island City’s industrial heritage, which has left a legacy of pollutants and contamination that complicates cleanup and regulatory efforts. As local governments and environmental groups work together to find solutions, the need for more efficient water management practices becomes increasingly critical to protect both public health and the fragile ecosystem.
Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, welcomed the report’s positive findings but emphasized that there’s still work to be done. "We are very happy that we have some good news finally. It shows regulations are working, but we must continue to make progress," she said.
Water suppliers, however, face the challenge of costly filtration processes to remove these chemicals. They are calling for continued state funding to support these efforts and maintain the improvements in water safety.
An interactive map now allows Long Island residents to monitor water quality in their communities, giving them direct access to information about harmful contaminants in their local water supply.
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