Almost two years ago, Residents For a More Beautiful Port Washington (Residents) organized the Western Long Island Aquifer Committee to fight New York City’s plan to reactivate Queens Wells. Our message was simple: Show us the science to prove this project won’t jeopardize our water supply. The city responded by dropping the well plan.
Immediately after that victory, Residents reengaged the Western Long Island Aquifer Committee to address a series of groundwater quality and quantity issues, including industrial plumes and encroaching salt water. Our goal was to create a study to tell us if our practices are sustainable and help shape better management practices for the future. Over the course of two years, we worked with The U.S. Geological Survey to develop a project proposal entitled Analysis of the Hydrogeologic Framework, Groundwater Availability and Water-Supply Sustainability of Western Long Island.
On Feb. 9, Residents sent the project proposal to the NYS Legislature with a letter cosigned by over 80 scientists, water suppliers, elected officials, environmentalists and civics on Long Island. Governor Cuomo then pledged $6 million to study Long Island’s drinking water.
Residents is thrilled that Gov. Cuomo heard our plea for a management tool to address the growing threats to Western Long Island’s drinking water. With this investigation, we will be able to manage our water supply based on the latest scientific data, ensuring we are sustainable for future generations.
We thank Senator Jack Martins and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel for their leadership on this project. Residents knows that safe, clean drinking water is imperative to making Port Washington the best place to live and raise a family, and works tirelessly to protect it. We pledge to do our very best to ensure this project is carried out to the highest standard and that this tool is utilized to make the right decisions about our water supply for years to come.
Stay tuned for updates on this important initiative.
—The Board of Directors and Staff, Residents For A More
Beautiful Port Washington
