Is Long Island Running Out of Drinkable Water?

Clean water is essential to life, and yet more than ever this essential resource is under threat. Increased industrialization and agriculture around the world have pushed freshwater sources to the brink. The supply of clean, drinkable water is dwindling worldwide.

In developed nations, companies like AWWT have perfected the science of taking chemical, non-chemical, and liquid waste and returning it safely to the environment for private, municipal, industrial, and commercial use. It’s countries in the Third World who suffer from lack of clean water—right? In the United States, all you have to do to enjoy clean, fresh water is turn on the tap—right?

Well, Long Island, New York could join many cities in the undeveloped Third World in having an undrinkable water supply if measures aren’t taken by the government and by concerned residents like you.

Leaking Septic System

Most New Yorkers receive their water from upstate reservoirs, but not those on Long Island. 3 million people live on Long Island, and they’re totally dependent on groundwater for their drinking supply. Leaking septic systems have polluted drinking aquifers and nitrogen levels are soaring. As of right now, the water is still drinkable. But if levels continue to rise, Long Island will have to look elsewhere for their water or do something about their crumbling waste management infrastructure.

Waterways Suffering Too

Beaches have been closed and dead shellfish have been washing up on Long Island’s shores as contaminated water from outdated sewage treatment facilities and agricultural runoff make their way to the ocean. This isn’t only a public health concern, it’s also an economic problem that needs to be addressed.

The Solution

Nitrogen-removal technology can be installed in wastewater treatment plants and septic systems. The government is also stepping in and beginning to address the problem, though some say it’s too little too late. Nearly a billion dollars of Hurricane Sandy relief funds were directed toward updating Long Island’s sewage treatment plants. Government money has a way of being misappropriated, however, and nitrogen levels are continuing to rise despite government spending.

The real solution is going to come from concerned homeowners and businesses.

AWWT is a permitted wastewater treatment plant on Long Island and we’re able to provide assessment, customized control, and ongoing protection. Ask for a real-cost analysis and we’ll show you why AWWT is more effective.