Suffolk County, N.Y., reroutes North Fork water main project
(UI) — The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for its North Fork Water Main Project and announced a revised pipeline route intended to reduce environmental impacts while accelerating construction.
The updated alignment shifts the proposed transmission main away from Sound Avenue and places it entirely on state and county roads. SCWA said the revised route is approximately 1 mile shorter than the original proposal and is expected to shorten the project's completion timeline from 2030 to 2028.
The project is intended to strengthen the long-term reliability of the North Fork's drinking water system by reducing stress on the region's shallow Upper Glacial Aquifer, which is vulnerable to saltwater intrusion and contamination. Increasing water demand and growing interest in public water service due to PFAS concerns have placed additional pressure on existing groundwater supplies.
SCWA's plan includes construction of a 7.5-mile, 24-inch transmission main and a new booster station. The pipeline will deliver water directly to the North Fork without serving customers in the Riverhead Water District, helping reduce pumping from local wells and protecting the freshwater aquifer.
SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz said the project is intended to secure the region's future water supply.
"This project is a requirement for the long-term sustainability of the North Fork. It protects our local water resources while ensuring we meet the current needs of our communities."
Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo said the revised route reflects public feedback received during the project's 2025 scoping process.
"We listened to the public during our 2025 scoping sessions and designed a plan that reflects their input."
Construction is expected to take about 12 months once permits are secured. SCWA said work will be scheduled to minimize traffic impacts during the North Fork's peak summer and fall tourism seasons.
The authority will hold three public hearings in August and will accept public comments on the DEIS through Sept. 11, 2026.
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