Nassau and Suffolk counties are engaged in a war of words over water Thursday.

The Suffolk Water Authority is asking permission to drill into the Lloyd aquifer for a well in East Northport. The Lloyd aquifer is Long Island?s deepest underground water supply, and Suffolk officials intend to blend it with other water to reduce dangerous nitrates for local residents.

Critics point to a 20-year state ban on drilling, with exceptions only for emergencies and hardships. They say disturbing the aquifer would risk saltwater intrusion in Bayville and other communities. They also say letting Suffolk take a little water now opens the door for it to take a lot later.

Suffolk Water Authority officials say the amount of water that will be taken amounts to teaspoonfuls and disputes the possibility of saltwater intrusion. They say Nassau is attempting to hog the water.

Related Information: Environmental Advocates of NY Citizens Campaign for the Environment