← Back to feedSuffolk County lawmakers have approved a $3 billion capital budget that will fund a sweeping slate of infrastructure projects—including a long-awaited plan to bring sewer systems to 14 communities that still rely heavily on cesspools.
The budget, which runs through 2029, dedicates $1.5 billion specifically to wastewater infrastructure, a move county leaders and environmental advocates say is essential to protecting local waterways and improving public health.
In Oakdale—one of the communities slated for upgrades—many homes still depend on cesspools. With the area’s high water table, heavy storms can overwhelm those systems, leaving residents unable to use basic plumbing.
Mac McCorquadale, a resident near the bay, expressed frustration with the current system:
“When we first moved in, we would literally have the cesspool company pump out ground water, which is just throwing money down the drain,” he said.
Adrienne Esposito, of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, highlighted the broader benefits of the investment:
“Investing in sewers where we have too many septics means it will be better for public health, cleaner drinking water and cleaner beaches and bays,” she said.
The communities that will have sewers installed are:
- Brentwood
- West Babylon
- Oakdale
- West Islip
- Wheatley Heights
- Port Jefferson
- Mastic
- Shirley
- St. James
- Bellport
- Centereach
- Selden
- Farmingville
- Coram
This initiative aims to address longstanding environmental concerns and improve the quality of life for residents in these areas.ℹ️ Researched and summarized from public reporting. Check the sources below.