The Suffolk County Water Authority and Suffolk County have partnered to fully fund a water main extension project in the vicinity of National Boulevard in Medford and Bellport, located in the Town of Brookhaven. The project will extend 4,660 feet of water main and connect up to 20 homes to a public water supply.
These homes were previously served by private wells located within a Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) assessment area for PFAS contamination. Following well testing by SCDHS that identified significant levels of PFAS, the area was designated a priority for public water connection. Without intervention, connecting to the public water supply would have cost property owners tens of thousands of dollars.
A $960,000 grant from New York State, combined with approximately $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from Suffolk County, covers the entire project cost. As a result, residents will face no costs to connect. This funding covers the installation of the water main, lateral service lines from the main to the property lines and private service lines from the property lines to the homes.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz toured the construction site to review the project's progress.
“We identified a public health issue with PFAS in these private wells and took action,” said County Executive Romaine. “By utilizing ARPA funds to cover the gap left after the state grant, we ensured these 20 households will have access to clean drinking water without bearing a financial burden.”
“I thank County Executive Romaine and Suffolk County for their commitment to public health,” said SCWA Chairman Lefkowitz. “By covering the remaining $1.1 million, the County made it possible for SCWA to connect these homes at zero cost to the residents. This partnership demonstrates how levels of government can coordinate to resolve challenges.”
About SCWA:
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.