The Suffolk County Water Authority this week received $5.98 million in grants from New York State to help pay for advanced oxidation process (AOP) treatment systems used to remove 1,4-dioxane and to extend water main to an area in the Town of Southampton where residents currently use private wells for their drinking water.
The state grants, part of nearly $50 million awarded to water suppliers on Long Island, will provide $900,000 for an AOP system at SCWA’s pump station on Albany Avenue in North Amityville; $1.8 million for an AOP system at SCWA’s pump station on Montauk Point State Boulevard in Montauk; and $1.8 million for an AOP system at SCWA’s pump station on South Spur Drive in East Northport.
Another $1,487,560 will fund the extension of water main to Old Country Road in the Westhampton area to transition residents to public water. The area was identified as a priority location by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services due to private well contamination concerns.
“These grants are essential in helping us to keep water rates as low as possible, and so we thank Governor Hochul and the state for funding these vital projects,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey Szabo.
New York state in 2020 adopted highly protective drinking water regulations for 1,4-dioxane as well as PFOS and PFOA, three emerging contaminants detected in Long Island groundwater. 1,4-dioxane is a chemical used in industrial processes that is also found in a wide variety of household products, including cosmetics, deodorants and shampoos. PFOS and PFOA are chemicals found in firefighting foams and non-stick and stain resistant products.
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.
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