$4.55 Million Boost To Fight Toxic Chemicals In Suffolk Water

Suffolk County is getting a multimillion-dollar boost in its battle to keep potentially harmful chemicals out of drinking water.

The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has secured $4.55 million in state grants to install new treatment systems targeting PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” at three well fields.

The funding, awarded through New York State’s 2026 Water Infrastructure Improvement Act, will help remove the persistent chemicals from drinking water while protecting customers from higher costs.

The money will fund three projects:

Hallock Avenue Well Field: $2.1 million for Wells 2 and 3.

Liberty Street Well Field: $1.225 million for Well 3.

Patchogue-Yaphank Road Well Field: $1.225 million for Well 1.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals that can persist in the environment and have been linked to serious health concerns.

SCWA already meets the Environmental Protection Agency's drinking water standard of four parts per trillion, five years ahead of the 2031 federal deadline.

But the utility isn't stopping there.

Its ultimate goal is to reduce PFAS in all water delivered to customers to non-detectable levels.

“Grant funding is critical to protecting water quality without putting the full cost on our customers,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz.

“These projects allow us to continue installing treatment systems, meet strict PFAS standards ahead of schedule and keep rates affordable. I want to thank the state for its continued investment in drinking water.”

Since 2019, SCWA has secured more than $116 million in state and federal grants for water treatment, infrastructure improvements and system expansion.

“We made a commitment years ago to get ahead of PFAS, not wait for mandates,” said SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo.

The new systems use granular activated carbon to filter contaminants before water reaches customers.

SCWA serves approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents and operates without taxing authority.