Long Island Water Quality

Water quality can differ from state to state – and even between cities. To ensure that you are drinking the highest-quality tap water, install a home water filtration system. At High Water Standard, we have expert knowledge about water filtration and can help residents of Long Island, NYC, and North New Jersey figure out the perfect water purification solution.

Long Island water comes from many different sources – lakes, wells, and other types of water suppliers. Because of this, water quality drastically differs from area to area. In New York City, the average total dissolved solids (TDS) is approximately 50 parts per million (PPM). But in many areas of Long Island, the TDS can be anywhere from 100 to 250 PPM. If you live in Long Island, we highly recommend using a water filter in order to make your water supply safe to drink.

At High Water Standard, it is our mission to make sure everybody has access to safe water. Since our office is located in South Brooklyn, we know the Long Island area very well. If you are curious about how you can start getting purified water today, reach out for a consultation.

Long Island Water Contamination

Long Island’s water is very different from the water that New York City residents are used to. But even though Long Island’s water is not the best quality, you should not have to lower your drinking water standards. A high-quality water filter can purify your drinking water and protect it from the contaminants listed below. Liz Moran, who is the Environmental Protection Policy Director of NYPIRG, has stated that Long Island’s water contains harmful levels of PFOA, 1,4-dioxane, PFOS, and PFAS.

1,4-Dioxane

The water on Long Island has been found to have harmful levels of 1-4-dioxane. This is a synthetic chemical that is flammable and resistant to biodegradation. The Environmental Protection Agency has classified 1-4-dioxane as a likely carcinogen, meaning that it probably causes cancer with long-term usage. In the short-term, 1-4-dioxane exposure can cause irritation of the throat, eyes, and nose. Other symptoms include liver and kidney damage.

PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid)

PFOA is considered to be an emerging contaminant – this classification of contaminants refers to a material or a chemical that has either a potential, perceived, or real threat to the environment or to human health. PFOA is classified as one since it is pervasive and mobile within aquatic environments and the atmosphere. This synthetic contaminant’s most widely produced form is ammonium salt. According to the EPA, certain exposure levels of PFOA may result in birth defects, kidney and testicular cancer, and other adverse symptoms.

PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)

PFOS is another emerging contaminant that Long Island’s public water has high levels of. The same EPA study showed that exposure to PFOS can cause effects like liver tissue damage, cholesterol changes, fetus developmental effects, and cancer.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluroralkyl Substances), the family of similar chemicals including PFOA/PFOS

PFAS refers to a family of man-made synthetic chemicals, including the aforementioned PFOA and PFOS. These chemicals have been produced worldwide since the 1940s. Out of all the substances in the PFAS family, PFOA and PFOS have been studied and produced the most. These chemicals are both persistent, meaning that they are highly resistant to breaking down. They build up in your body’s system over time, causing adverse health reactions. This is why it is crucial to use a high-quality filter to purify Long Island’s drinking water. If you’re ready to start drinking clean water in Long Island, we recommend checking out our favorite water filters.

Long Island Drinking Water Quality Map

The map below shows general areas of contamination that can impact the quality of groundwater in Suffolk and Nassau county, according to data collected by the EPA. As you can see, Long Island’s drinking water is very vulnerable to contamination. Water supplies such as wells can become contaminated with pesticides and fertilizers that seep into the land. If your well was drilled close to an area that was used for a chemical site at one point, your water resources will be extra susceptible to synthetic contaminants.

How to Clean Long Island Drinking Water

It is impossible to keep on top of purifying all of the island’s groundwater. As farmers continue to use fertilizers and pesticides on their crops, and as chemical dump sites continue to be used, water will be contaminated. The fix to the problem is to install a water filtration system directly in your home. This way, you can rest assured knowing that 99.99% of contaminants are totally filtered out of your Long Island tap water, leaving you with only clean, safe results. We recommend using multi-stage filter systems, especially ones that use reverse osmosis and granular carbon filters (these will treat PFOA/PFOS). Some of our favorite water systems are APEC and iSpring.

FAQ:

What are the three major Long Island aquifers?

The three major aquifers in Long Island are, from deepest to the most shallow, Lloyd, Magothy, and the Upper Glacial. The minor aquifer, Jameco, is also being used. The Lloyd aquifer is approximately 200-300 feet deep below the surface along the shore of Long Island. It reaches 1,800 feet at its deepest point, and the water inside is approximately 6,000 years old. The Magothy aquifer is actually the source of water for the majority of Nassau county, and around half of Suffolk. It might not be the deepest aquifer, but it is the largest. The Upper Glacier aquifer is the youngest of the three, and it is the closest to the surface of Long Island. Both the federal and state governments strive to protect these aquifers (and other primary aquifers within New York state)

Does boiling water remove toxins?

When you boil water, you will kill off most microorganisms that cause diseases. However, boiling water does not eliminate contaminants like salts, heavy metals, and most other chemicals. In order to remove these and make your water safe, you must use a water filtration system.

How do filters clean water?

Whole-home water systems are installed on your house’s main water line, thus filtering all points of water dispensation within your house. Undersink filters, however, only filter the water that runs through that particular point of dispensation. With either type of filter, your water is run through a series of filters, each of which purifies the water from a different set of contaminants. With our top filters, you can eliminate 99.99% of heavy metals and microorganisms!

Is Long Island polluted?

Yes, Long Island’s groundwater and surface water is polluted due to many contamination sites across the island. Unfiltered tap water is filled with cancer-causing chemicals, and it is some of the most unsafe drinking water across the entire state. For more information about Long Island water pollution, check out the Citizens Campaign for the Environment – they are petitioning to protect New York and Long Island’s water from emerging contaminants.

How to Get Rid of Water Problems on Long Island

High Water Standard’s whole house and undersink water filters can give you pure water for drinking, cooking, showering, and more. We use brands such as iSpring, APEC, Home Master, and other high-quality systems that are manufactured in the U.S. Our filters can also normalize your water’s ph. levels and add in healthy minerals.

If you need a custom water solution, we can help create one that meets all of your needs. We offer comprehensive water treatment services and installation to Long Island, North New Jersey, and all five NYC boroughs. Are you ready to put your health first? Give us a call today!