Suffolk County Families Face Urgent PFAS Water Crisis: Why Modern Water Line Replacement Is Your Best Defense in 2024

Suffolk County homeowners are confronting a silent threat in their drinking water that demands immediate action. Recent testing at the Dare Rd. Wellfield revealed PFOS at 5.0 ppt and PFOA at 5.2 ppt, levels that surpass the EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for both PFOS and PFOA, established in April 2024 but not enforceable until 2029. This contamination crisis has prompted many families to consider comprehensive water line replacement as their most effective protection strategy.

Understanding the PFAS Contamination Crisis in Suffolk County

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals found in Long Island groundwater and can be detected in the blood of almost every American. They are called “forever” chemicals because their components break down very slowly. PFOS and PFOA exposure is linked to increased cancer risk, developmental issues, and hormonal and immune system disruptions.

Team 12 Investigates reviewed water quality reports from 48 water districts across Long Island and found 33 water districts have traces of PFAS in their drinking water. At least 45 percent of the nation’s tap water is estimated to contain PFAS, according to a 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study. That means nearly half of us might be consuming PFAS through our drinking water every day.

Why Water Line Replacement Offers Superior Protection

While the Suffolk County Water Authority has made significant strides in treatment, installing 17 granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment systems for PFAS in the past year alone, many homeowners are taking additional precautions through comprehensive water line upgrades and point-of-use treatment systems.

Modern water line replacement offers several advantages for PFAS protection:

Fresh Infrastructure: New water lines eliminate potential contamination from aging pipes that may have accumulated PFAS over decades
Treatment Integration: Modern installations can incorporate advanced filtration systems directly into your home’s water supply
Long-term Security: Water treatment devices for PFAS may use activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange technologies to purify water. Activated carbon systems rely on the carbon media to trap PFAS as water flows through the cartridge.

Long Island Sewer and Water Main: Your Trusted Partner in Water Safety

Long Island Sewer and Water Main has been proudly serving Long Island and NYC home and business owners for almost 40 years, with expertise in all plumbing needs, big and small, for both residential and commercial clients. Long Island Water and Sewer Main serves all of Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

The company stands out in the Suffolk County market through their commitment to modern, effective solutions. They are one of the only providers of trenchless sewer and water line services across both Nassau County and Suffolk County. Using their trenchless technologies, they are able to provide more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective sewer line services to residents and businesses across Long Island.

They prioritize clear communication, transparency, and personalized service, ensuring that your water main installation project is completed to your satisfaction. This approach is particularly valuable when homeowners need Water Line Replacement Suffolk County, NY services to address PFAS contamination concerns.

Advanced Treatment Technologies for PFAS Protection

The company’s expertise extends beyond traditional water line replacement. Their team utilizes advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure reliable and long-lasting results. For PFAS protection specifically, homeowners can benefit from:

Granular Activated Carbon Systems: Contaminated water is passed through a pressure vessel or filter box containing granular activated carbon (GAC); PFAS then “sticks” to the activated carbon. When there is not enough space left for PFAS to stick to the GAC, it must be changed.
Ion Exchange Technology: Ion exchange utilizes tiny beads, known as resins, that attract and trap PFAS chemicals from water.
Reverse Osmosis Systems: The reverse osmosis (RO) treatment process forces water through an extremely thin membrane barrier under pressure, allowing water to pass through while trapping impurities.

The Urgency of Acting Now

In April 2024, EPA issued the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standard to protect communities from exposure to harmful PFAS. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses. However, systems are required to be in compliance with the MCLs by April 26, 2029.

Water districts on Long Island, which have estimated a $1.5 billion cost to install treatment for recently regulated contaminants, have begun charging ratepayers for the added expenses. The Suffolk County Water Authority and Greenlawn Water District added $80-per-year surcharges in recent years.

Taking Action to Protect Your Family

Given the scale of PFAS contamination in Suffolk County and the timeline for municipal compliance, proactive homeowners are investing in comprehensive water line replacement and treatment systems now. Long Island Sewer and Water Main is available 24/7 to meet your plumbing needs in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. From the basic check of your water meter, to major trenchless water line replacement, they are proud to be there for you at any time on any day in the Suffolk County or Nassau County area.

Current NSF/ANSI treatment standards test that a product lowers PFOA and PFOS reduction to a combined concentration of 20 ng/L. While these certifications are currently only available for PFOA and PFOS reduction, certified filters have also been shown to lower the amount of other PFAS that may be found in drinking water.

Don’t wait for municipal solutions that may take years to implement fully. Contact Long Island Sewer and Water Main today to discuss how modern water line replacement can provide your family with immediate protection against PFAS contamination. Your family’s health and peace of mind are worth the investment in clean, safe water infrastructure.