Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) customers don’t often stop to think about where their tap water comes from. That’s a good thing. It means they can trust that the water flowing from their faucets is of the highest quality, provided by a utility that works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure it. SCWA has been called the silent utility: you turn the tap on, and water comes out. Most people never consider the enormous work that goes into making that happen.
The journey of your water begins deep below the ground, in Long Island’s sole source aquifer. SCWA drills wells that reach hundreds of feet below the surface, tapping into water far removed from most surface pollution. This approach ensures that the water drawn is as pristine as possible before we even begin the treatment process.
From there, we take rigorous steps to ensure that every drop meets our stringent quality standards. SCWA tests for 390 different contaminants—about 240 more than state and federal regulations require. That’s because we are committed to delivering water that not only meets but surpasses regulatory standards. When we do detect contaminants, we employ advanced treatment technologies to remove them, including state-of-the-art systems for threats like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.
We’re also constantly seeking out cutting-edge technologies to enhance our treatment processes. SCWA collaborates with researchers and industry leaders to test and implement the latest treatment methods, ensuring we remain ahead of the curve. By staying at the forefront of innovation, we’re able to set a high standard for water utilities everywhere. In fact, SCWA developed and put into operation the very first Advanced oxidation system to remove 1,4-dioxane from drinking water in New York State.
Our commitment to water quality doesn’t stop there. We continue to monitor and test water throughout the treatment process to ensure the highest standards are maintained until the water reaches your tap. This relentless focus on quality gives our customers peace of mind, knowing that their drinking water is safe and reliable.
Once treated, the water travels through an extensive distribution system, 6,000 miles of water main stretching across Suffolk County. Maintaining and modernizing this vast network is a daily effort. Every day, our crews are in the field, making sure our infrastructure is reliable. These upgrades are critical to meeting the demands of a growing population and ensuring that, no matter the circumstances, our customers can count on water flowing from their taps.
This behind-the-scenes work requires significant investment and meticulous planning. Whether it’s installing new water mains, upgrading pumping stations or deploying advanced monitoring systems, SCWA is constantly improving to stay ahead of potential challenges. Our customers may not see this work happening, but they experience the results every time they turn on the tap.
Remarkably, we’ve achieved all of this while keeping rates among the lowest in New York State. SCWA maintains a triple-A bond rating, proof of our financial stability and efficient operations. For most households, your SCWA bill is likely the smallest utility bill you pay each month, far less than what you spend on electricity or heating. This affordability is a testament to our commitment to providing high-quality water at a cost that remains accessible to all. We take pride in balancing top-tier service with financial responsibility, ensuring that every dollar we spend goes toward improving service for our customers.
At SCWA, we take our responsibility to provide high-quality water seriously. But we also recognize the importance of conserving this vital resource for future generations. That’s why we’ve launched education campaigns and implemented policies to encourage responsible water use. By working together, we can protect the aquifer that sustains us all. Simple actions, like following irrigation schedules or fixing leaks, can collectively make a significant difference. Conservation isn’t just a goal—it’s a shared responsibility that ensures the long-term health of our water supply.
The next time you turn on your faucet, take a moment to appreciate the journey your water has taken. From deep below the ground, through rigorous testing and treatment and across miles of water mains, SCWA works tirelessly to ensure that your water is clean, safe and reliable. While we may be the silent utility, our commitment to our customers is loud and clear. This is what drives us to go above and beyond every day, delivering water you can trust and service you can rely on.