Suffolk County’s Clean Water Plan: A Major Step Toward Protecting Our Water

Photo: Mike Busch

As we all know, The Great South Bay has been absorbing waste from leaky cesspools for far too long, leading to brown tides, contamination of ground water, and unsafe swimming conditions.

Thankfully, hope is restored by the Clean Water Plan! On March 7th, 2025 at the View in Oakdale, Jennifer Juengst, Deputy Suffolk County Executive and Julia Priolo, Senior Analyst, Dept. of Health Services spoke about The Suffolk County Clean Water Plan.

Water is Suffolk County’s most precious resource, and ensuring its quality for future generations is a top priority. In a historic move, over 70% of voters approved a plan to modernize the county’s wastewater infrastructure by extending the Drinking Water Protection Program (DWPP) and introducing a new 1/8% sales tax. These funds will generate billions of dollars to upgrade sewer systems, implement Innovative & Alternative Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A OWTS), and prevent harmful pollution from reaching our waterways.

A Bold Plan for Clean Water

The Suffolk County Clean Water Plan focuses on three major initiatives:

1. Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements – A portion of the new tax revenue will go toward sewer projects, ensuring modern, efficient wastewater treatment across the county.
2. Septic Improvement Program (SIP) Expansion – With increased grant funding and a streamlined application process, more homeowners can upgrade their outdated septic systems to eco-friendly I/A OWTS.
3. Sewer District Consolidation – The county’s 27 sewer districts will merge into a single, unified system by 2026, eliminating rate inequities and ensuring sustainable long-term funding.

The first Suffolk County Subwatersheds Wastewater Implementation Plan is set to be submitted by May 1, 2025, outlining the next steps for improving water quality. Annual public hearings and reports will ensure transparency and accountability as the plan moves forward.

Key Action Points Moving Forward

To successfully implement this initiative, Suffolk County has outlined five key action steps:

1. Implementation of the New Sales Tax – Ensure proper collection and allocation of the new 1/8% sales tax, with transparent reporting and oversight of funds.
2. Approval of the Wastewater Implementation Plan – The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Fund Board must submit and gain legislative approval for the first wastewater improvement plan by May 1, 2025.
3. Public Hearings & Reporting – Conduct annual public hearings and submit reports on project progress and fund utilization to maintain transparency.
4. Septic System Upgrades & Grant Program Expansion – Encourage homeowners to apply for SIP grants and facilitate faster installations of I/A OWTS.
5. Sewer Infrastructure Development – Oversee the construction and completion of major sewer projects, including the Oakdale 1A project, which is fully funded and expected to begin construction in 2026.

Suffolk County is making a generational investment in clean water, ensuring safe drinking water and healthier ecosystems for decades to come. With billions of dollars allocated for infrastructure upgrades and pollution reduction, this initiative represents a critical step toward sustainable environmental management. As projects roll out in the coming years, residents can expect tangible improvements in water quality, thanks to this forward-thinking initiative.

For more details on the plan and how to participate, visit ReclaimOurWater.info.