Nassau County’s Water Quality Revolution: How New Federal Standards Are Reshaping Residential Water Line Requirements
Nassau County homeowners are facing unprecedented changes in water quality regulations as new federal standards dramatically tighten contamination limits, creating urgent needs for water line upgrades and replacements across Long Island. In April 2024, the EPA finalized national primary drinking water regulations for PFOA and PFOS, reducing the allowable maximum contaminant level from 10 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, marking the most significant water quality transformation in decades.
Understanding the New PFAS Standards
The Environmental Protection Agency’s groundbreaking regulations target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” The federal government will, for the first time, require utilities to limit “forever chemicals” in drinking water linked to cancers, developmental damage and other health problems, with the move reducing exposure for 100 million people. These synthetic chemicals have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s, including nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foam.
For Nassau County residents, this represents a significant shift from previous state standards. New York State in 2020 set a limit of 10 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA, while the EPA is setting maximum contaminant levels at 4 parts per trillion for each of those compounds. Public drinking water systems must comply with these new standards by 2029, and water utilities are required to notify the public and reduce contamination when PFAS levels exceed the new MCL standard.
Lead Service Line Replacement Requirements
Simultaneously, Nassau County water systems face comprehensive lead service line replacement mandates. The EPA Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, published in October 2024, require all community water systems to replace lead service lines in their service area within 10 years. The Lead and Copper rule revisions of 2021 required water utilities to develop inventories of lead service lines in their service area and develop plans to remove all lead service lines over time.
Fortunately for Long Island homeowners, early results indicate that comparatively few lead pipes are in place across Long Island, as most area homes were built post-World War II and used copper piping. The Suffolk County Water Authority found fewer than half a dozen homes with lead piping after completing 75% of their inventory.
Impact on Water Line Infrastructure
These regulatory changes are driving significant infrastructure investments across Nassau County. Water industry experts note that “big investment is needed” for PFAS treatment, pipes in the ground, some of which have lead in them, and plants that have been built 50 years ago. Some water systems will need to make significant infrastructure upgrades to their water treatment processes and these projects could take several years to complete.
Nassau County’s water supply faces unique challenges due to its source. The Magothy aquifer is directly below the Upper Glacial aquifer and is the largest aquifer, supplying most of Nassau County’s drinking water. Over 1 million people on Long Island drink water with PFAS levels above the EPA’s health advisory, with more than 600,000 Long Islanders consuming water that exceeds current PFAS standards.
What This Means for Homeowners
For Nassau County residents, these changes translate into potential water line replacement needs and upgraded treatment systems. Public water systems have three years to complete initial monitoring requirements and must implement solutions to reduce PFAS in their drinking water to levels below the standards within five years. When water line work is necessary, homeowners need experienced contractors who understand both the technical requirements and local regulations.
Professional Water Line Replacement Nassau County, NY services become essential as these new standards take effect. Long Island Sewer and Water Main is one of the only providers of trenchless sewer and water line services across both Nassau County and Suffolk County, using trenchless technologies to provide more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective water line services.
Choosing the Right Water Line Contractor
For nearly 40 years, Long Island Sewer and Water Main has been repairing and maintaining water systems in Suffolk County and Nassau County. The company specializes in advanced techniques that minimize property disruption. Their team utilizes advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure reliable and long-lasting results, while prioritizing clear communication, transparency, and personalized service, ensuring that water main installation projects are completed to satisfaction.
What sets professional contractors apart is their comprehensive approach to water line services. Trenchless technologies are non-invasive methods that reduce the need for large-scale excavation, lower restoration costs, and allow projects to be completed more quickly.
Preparing for Compliance
As Nassau County adapts to these new water quality standards, homeowners should stay informed about their water system’s compliance status and potential infrastructure needs. Water systems that currently exceed drinking water standards will have to switch to uncontaminated source waters or install treatment, which will improve water quality but may result in increased drinking water costs for consumers.
The transformation of Nassau County’s water quality standards represents both a challenge and an opportunity for safer drinking water. With proper planning and experienced contractors, residents can navigate these changes while ensuring their homes have reliable, compliant water systems for years to come.