The Suffolk County Water Authority launched an innovative new online tool that allows residents on private wells or those constructing new homes to obtain instant estimates for the cost of connecting to the public water system. The platform enables users to search their address, customize their project type and explore financing options available through SCWA for up to 25 years.
An estimated 25,000 properties in Suffolk County currently receive drinking water from private wells located on their own property. Because these wells are typically shallow, they are susceptible to surface-level contamination. Furthermore, private wells are often untested, as there are no regulations requiring owners to monitor their water quality. Even when private well owners choose to test their water, replicating the comprehensive testing suite of 390 different compounds that SCWA monitors is cost-prohibitive for most individuals.
To address this vulnerability and expand access to high quality drinking water, SCWA designed the new tool to make the connection process as straightforward as possible. Residents can use the website platform to receive a cost estimate, review the requirements needed to connect and complete an online application to begin the process, all without needing to speak with SCWA staff.
"Transitioning from a private well to public water is the best thing you can do to ensure that you and your family have access to high quality drinking water," said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. "We recognize that the connection process can seem daunting, which is why we developed a tool that gives residents clear, upfront information and long-term financing options to make the switch attainable."
"Our goal is to remove barriers to connection by streamlining the customer experience," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. "With this new online platform, property owners can evaluate their options, calculate their costs and submit an application on their own schedule.”
Residents can access the connection cost estimator and application directly at www.SCWA.com/costtoconnect
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.