Suffolk County has long recognized the importance of managing and protecting its water resources and has developed and implemented drinking water and groundwater management regulations and programs for decades. Water resource management and protection are of utmost importance in Suffolk County, since residents rely upon groundwater as their sole source of drinking water supply. Because groundwater provides stream baseflow and discharges to surrounding coastal waters, the water quality of Suffolk County freshwater streams and marine waters is also directly affected by legislation enacted to protect groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Suffolk County is pleased to release the revised 2015 Suffolk County Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan. This updated version now incorporates the principles of coastal resiliency, including controlling nutrient inputs to enhance the health of wetlands and eelgrass. The Executive Summary also has a broader ecological perspective on nutrient impacts, addressing harmful algal blooms and shellfish. This fully revised Plan includes updates on water quality-related issues and sea level rise. Working with stakeholders, the County has developing a more focused action plans. The Department of Economic Development and Planning has been a major partner in updating the plan.

Please contact us for more information about this report.

The Complete Comprehensive Water Resource Management Plan

Executive Summary

Framework Table