Suffolk County’s Revolutionary Green Infrastructure Initiative Is Transforming Long Island’s Water Future Through Smart Sewer and Water Main Upgrades
Suffolk County is leading the charge in environmental innovation with its comprehensive Green Infrastructure Initiative, a groundbreaking program that combines sustainable sewer and water main upgrades with cutting-edge stormwater management solutions. This initiative represents the latest action to upgrade New York’s water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals.
The Environmental Challenge
Suffolk County is about 75% unsewered, which has had significant implications both for degradation of water quality and also constrains the economy because a lack of wastewater infrastructure places some limits on what property owners can do with their property. More than 360,000 homes in Suffolk County rely on outdated cesspools and septic systems that do not properly treat wastewater to remove nitrogen. This creates a serious environmental burden that the county is now addressing through innovative green infrastructure solutions.
Decreased water quality is a critical issue in Suffolk County since it directly impacts the local economy and quality of life. Poor water quality has resulted in decreased commercial and recreational fishery landings, shellfish harvest restrictions, and closure of public bathing beaches. The pollutants of greatest concern in Suffolk County are nitrogen and pathogens.
The Green Infrastructure Solution
Green infrastructure is a cost-effective and resilient approach to managing stormwater that can bring many social, economic, public health, and environmental benefits to communities. Green stormwater infrastructure is designed to mimic nature and capture rainwater where it falls. Green infrastructure reduces and treats stormwater at its source while also providing multiple community benefits.
At least $15 million in grants is available to support green stormwater infrastructure and municipal water and energy efficiency projects. Green infrastructure practices help combat nutrient pollution by reducing stormwater runoff. Green infrastructure improves stormwater quality by reducing the load of sediment, unwanted minerals, and other contaminants that are carried with runoff from impermeable surfaces.
Historic Funding and Community Support
The measure passed with overwhelming support—over 71% of the vote. Its objectives are ambitious yet essential: reversing decades of nitrogen pollution, protecting vital aquifers, and ensuring the long-term health of Suffolk’s waterways and communities. The funding mechanism goes into effect in March 2025 and is expected to generate an estimated $49 million in additional revenues that will be available for use in 2026. The Act is projected to generate an estimated $3 billion in clean water infrastructure funds through 2060.
Starting in 2025, the 1/8% sales tax increase will directly fund sewer expansion projects: connecting more properties to public sewer systems to reduce reliance on outdated septic systems. Where feasible, properties will connect to public sewers; in areas where this is impractical, grants will help homeowners replace outdated systems with Innovative and Alternative On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (I/A Systems).
Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
The $408.8 million Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Initiative includes wastewater conveyance and treatment upgrades along with sewer system connections for more than 4,000 homes in the Town of Babylon, with connections for an additional 1,700 homes in Mastic-Shirley. This innovative project leverages federal and state resources with local funding to prevent nitrogen and other contaminants from pollution Long Island’s coastal waters.
Environmental benefits to this critical project include improving water quality, restoring ecosystems, and bolstering natural coastal barriers to protect communities from future flooding and severe storms.
The Role of Professional Contractors
As Suffolk County implements these ambitious infrastructure upgrades, homeowners and businesses need experienced contractors who understand both traditional and innovative water and sewer technologies. Long Island Sewer & Water Main Suffolk County, NY has been serving the region for nearly four decades, providing comprehensive sewer and water main services across Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
The company is one of the only providers of trenchless sewer and water line services across both Nassau County and Suffolk County. Using trenchless technologies, they are able to provide more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective sewer line services to residents and businesses across Long Island. Trenchless technologies are non-invasive methods used for installing or repairing sewer lines without extensive digging. Benefits include minimal disruption, cost-effectiveness, and faster completion.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The county uses economic incentives to encourage businesses to adopt green infrastructure and sustainable practices. These incentives include tax breaks, grants, and low-interest loans for companies that invest in renewable energy sources or implement energy-efficient technologies. By increasing the green areas in urban environments, stormwater runoff and stream channel erosion can be reduced, thus reducing the volume of pollutants, such as sediment, nitrogen and phosphorus, entering waterways.
Streets with green infrastructure slow the rate of runoff, reducing the pressure on drainage systems and lowering maintenance costs. Street trees and green infrastructure enhance aesthetic qualities and provide a significant neighborhood amenity.
Looking Forward
For the very first time in history, environmental groups, local governments, the business community, organized labor, and the building trades are all coming together rowing in the same direction for the implementation of a long term wastewater infrastructure plan. It’s really a unique moment in history.
Suffolk County’s Green Infrastructure Initiative represents more than just an environmental program—it’s a comprehensive approach to sustainable development that protects water quality, supports economic growth, and creates resilient communities. These investments are part of New York’s broader strategy to maximize the impact of state and federal infrastructure dollars, ensuring every region benefits from cleaner water, safer systems, and long-term sustainability.
As these initiatives continue to unfold, property owners throughout Suffolk County will need reliable partners to help them connect to new sewer systems, upgrade their water mains, and maintain their infrastructure. The combination of public investment and private expertise will be essential to achieving the county’s ambitious environmental goals and ensuring clean water for future generations.