The Suffolk County Water Authority is partnering with County Executive Ed Romaine and Suffolk County to pursue state and federal grant funding to extend public water to up to 60 homes in Mattituck near Reeve Avenue, an area where private wells are impacted by groundwater contamination.
The proposed $2.4 million project will install 3,850 feet of new water main. The total projected cost includes the main extension, service taps and private service lines for all 60 properties. Without grant funding, connection costs could exceed $40,000 per home.
In 2024, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services conducted an assessment of private wells in the area. Of 39 wells tested, 31 contained PFOA and/or PFOS. Test results showed 22 wells exceeded the state drinking water limit of 10 parts per trillion (PPT). The highest concentration detected was over 1,000 PPT, which is more than 100 times the state limit.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manufactured chemicals used in consumer products that resist breaking down in the environment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that exposure to certain PFAS levels can lead to health issues, including an increased risk of some cancers, developmental delays, and decreased fertility. Private wells are susceptible to PFAS contamination because they draw untreated groundwater and lack the required testing and filtration of public systems. SCWA uses advanced monitoring to test for PFAS and employs granular activated carbon treatment to remove the compounds when detected.
"SCWA’s mission is to provide the highest quality water to the residents of Suffolk County, and that involves getting people connected to a reliable, safe supply," said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. "This project is a critical step in fulfilling that mission for the residents of Mattituck."
"This is fundamentally a public health issue," said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. "The levels of contamination found in these private wells present a clear risk. Connecting these homes to a safe, regulated water supply is necessary to protect the health and well-being of this community."
To mitigate costs for residents, SCWA applied for funding through the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement (WIIA) program, which covers 70% of allowable project costs. Concurrently, SCWA applied for a federal grant through the offices of U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Nick LaLota.
If both applications are successful, the cost for residents and businesses to connect to SCWA could be eliminated. SCWA has used similar grant bundling to cover connection costs for water main extensions in Manorville, Calverton, Westhampton and Oak Beach.
"While there are no guarantees regarding the federal funding, we are encouraged by the support of our Congressional delegation," said SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo. "Securing these funds is essential to getting shovels in the ground and protecting these homeowners from bearing an extreme financial burden."
The contamination near Reeve Avenue has drawn significant attention. Residents have implored elected officials to secure funding to provide a safe drinking water source to the neighborhood. SCWA applied for funding through New York State in 2025, but the application was denied due to insufficient funding availability.
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.