Public water expanded in Manorville

After years of community pushing, a substantial water main expansion in Manorville has connected over 100 homes to public water. Previously, these homes acquired water via private wells – wells now contaminated with PFAS (forever chemicals).

“Providing residents with the highest-quality water possible is our foremost priority at the Suffolk County Water Authority,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “When your drinking water is compromised by contamination, your entire quality of life is threatened. The people in this community haven’t been able to drink a glass of water, cook or bathe without wondering if their water was going to make them sick. They don’t need to worry anymore because SCWA is here to provide them with high-quality drinking water.”

Lefkowitz was joined for the announcement on February 29 by Sen. Dean Murray, Asm. Jodi Giglio, Brookhaven Town Supr. Dan Panico, and Executive Director of Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment Adrienne Esposito.

A statement from U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer reads: “This is a great day for Manorville, as now more families’ faucets are flowing with clean, safe drinking water. For years, I have worked with residents, advocates, and local leaders to bring federal funding for safe drinking water to these families with contaminated wells, securing $3.5 million in direct federal funds in addition to the $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan aid allocated for the project by Brookhaven Town. I applaud Suffolk County Water Authority for their partnership and for their work to expand access to secure, safe drinking water to these residents and all the residents they serve across Suffolk County.”

The problem was identified in 2017 by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services after an assessment of the private wells in the area showing elevated levels of PFOA and PFOS above current state guidelines.

Several sources of funding were attained to reduce costs to residents and provide the 100-plus homes with public water. These included $3.5 million in federal dollars, made possible through New York State’s senate delegation and former Rep. Lee Zeldin, as well as a $1.5 million Intermunicipal Grant from New York State, and $2 million from the Town of Brookhaven through the American Rescue Plan.

Those who have not yet connected to public water are encouraged to do so.