Report: Long Island has most contaminated water in NY

Long Island's water has the highest levels of certain dangerous chemicals in the entire state, according to a report from New York Public Interest Research Group.

News 12 Staff

May 30, 2019, 11:35 PM

Updated 1,797 days ago

Share:

Long Island's water has the highest levels of certain dangerous chemicals in the entire state, according to a recent report from New York Public Interest Research Group.
"By reviewing all this data, we found that 176 water systems detected one or more emerging contaminants, which impacts 16 million New Yorkers," says Liz Moran, director of NYPIRG environmental policy.
Among the contaminants is 1,4-dioxane, a chemical found in many common household products. The compound is suspected of causing cancer and other health issues.
Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, says the report should make all Long Islanders want to know more about what's in their water. She says anything that seeps into the ground can seep into the water supply.
According to the report, Hicksville, Greenlawn, Hempstead and municipalities serviced by the Suffolk Water Authority are just some of the places with the highest levels of contaminants.
Suffolk Water Authority's CEO sent a statement saying: "Though emerging contaminants in groundwater caused by industrial pollution and others factors are certainly a significant concern, the Suffolk County Water Authority has addressed the issue through years of proactive and voluntary testing."
And Huntington Town Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said: "The report is alarming, not only for Greenlawn residents but for all residents of the Town of Huntington...We filed a civil suit against the entities responsible for 1,4-dioxane contamination on May 20th to hold them accountable for the costs of removing 1,4-dioxane from our local water supplies."
NYPIRG says it hopes that alerting people to what's in their water will lead New York lawmakers to make changes to get rid of the contaminants and keep it that way.
The report, called "What's in My Water," also says that while having contaminants in our water doesn't mean the public health is at risk, lawmakers should be pushing for more testing and tougher standards for water quality testing.


More from News 12
3:16
Students at Stony Brook University take part in pro-Palestinian protest

Students at Stony Brook University take part in pro-Palestinian protest

2:00
Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

Sun and warm temps through end of workweek, rain possible this weekend

0:21
School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

School officials: Cyberattack causes internet, phone outage at Mineola Public Schools

2:05
'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

'He didn't care about the consequences.’ Man pleads guilty to East Massapequa crash that killed 4

1:51
Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

Students like food, not prices, from food trucks brought in by NCC following dining services closure

0:32
Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

Prosecutors: Shirley woman sold misbranded, adulterated weight loss drugs on TikTok

0:26
Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

Mets partner with Smithtown nonprofit to raise future service dog for veteran or first responder

0:24
Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

Man, woman wanted for stealing wallet in Huntington Station

0:27
MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

MTA approves plan to discount monthly LIRR tickets for NYC, excludes Long Island

1:32
Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

Public hearing held on Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital's filing for additional parking

1:46
What's Cooking: Steak Taco

What's Cooking: Steak Taco

2:57
Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Garden Guide: Food you can grow anywhere

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

Guide: Mental health resources available in the tri-state

1:59
EXCLUSIVE: Father of teen boy killed in Jericho 1 year ago urges governor to sign Grieving Families Act

EXCLUSIVE: Father of teen boy killed in Jericho 1 year ago urges governor to sign Grieving Families Act

1:55
Public hearing held over proposal to bring a walkable downtown to Melville

Public hearing held over proposal to bring a walkable downtown to Melville

2:01
US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

US Preventative Services Task Force updates guidance for women to start getting mammograms at age 40

0:33
Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

Family: Floral Park teen struck by dirt bike in Albany in critical condition

0:53
USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

USDA report: Long Island Game Farm giraffe was malnourished before death

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:27
Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments

Town of Hempstead IDA holds hearing on Hillcrest of Floral Park apartments