Recent media reports concerning PFAS chemicals in drinking water have created concern on the part of our customers. The media reports included testing information from our annual water quality report that was selected to overstate the levels of PFAS-related chemicals found in our water. This is misleading and undermines public confidence in their drinking water. Specifically, the PFAS test results used in recent media reports represent the highest values of hundreds of total tests taken throughout the year, which means they do not represent the water quality in any given location at any given time. The fact is that, on average, the level of these contaminants found in our drinking water is non-detect.
The Suffolk County Water Authority meets or surpasses all drinking water quality regulations. We test more frequently and maintain more protective internal standards for water quality than required by law. The information in our Annual Water Quality Statement is reviewed and approved by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services and the New York State Department of Health. SCWA is in the process of installing treatment systems to ensure there is no detectable level of PFAS contaminants in any of its public supply wells and has commenced litigation to ensure that polluters pay for the costs of treatment systems and not SCWA customers.
We are extremely proud of the water we serve you and encourage you to call our drinking water quality professionals at 631-218-1138 to answer any question you have about water quality.