Suffolk County leaders and local advocates came together to announce a new bi-partisan plan that would improve the quality of the county's drinking water.

"It would allow us to upgrade old sewage pipes and the infrastructure, replace old pipes and replace septic tanks with new technology," explains Adrienne Esposito, of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment."

The Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act authorizes the county to establish a water quality restoration fund.   

To help pay for it, the local sales tax would increase by an eighth of a penny. Supporters of the plan say the long-term benefits outweigh the cost. 

"An eighth of a penny on the sales tax. The cost of doing nothing is costing us more that than restoring the water," says Esposito.

The county Legislature is expected to adopt the measure on Tuesday. The bill then goes to Albany for a vote.

 If passed, Suffolk County residents will vote on the referendum in November's election.