Suffolk votes on clean water funding for sewers and septic systems
- Proposition Two seeks to address water pollution in Suffolk County by funding new sewer and septic systems.
- The measure aims to combat excessive nitrogen, a major pollutant affecting local water quality and ecosystems.
- Residents are urged to vote in favor of the proposition to ensure clean water and environmental protection.
In Suffolk County, a significant ballot measure is being proposed to address the deteriorating quality of local water sources. This initiative, known as Proposition Two, seeks to implement a 0.125% increase in the county sales tax to fund the expansion of sewer systems and the installation of advanced septic systems designed to filter nitrogen from wastewater. Excessive nitrogen has been identified as a primary pollutant, leading to severe environmental issues such as beach closures, harmful algae blooms, and contamination of drinking water from the aquifer. The proposition aims to raise approximately $6 billion by 2060, which will be allocated towards modernizing outdated septic systems, establishing new sewer systems in areas lacking them, and preserving sensitive land to protect water quality. This funding is crucial for maintaining the health of local ecosystems and ensuring clean drinking water for residents. Suffolk County has a history of supporting environmental initiatives, and this measure is positioned as a vital step towards safeguarding the region's water resources. The proposal also extends an existing drinking water protection program, emphasizing the importance of clean water for the community's quality of life. Residents are encouraged to consider the long-term benefits of clean water and the environmental health of the region when voting. The outcome of this ballot measure could have lasting implications for both the local ecosystem and the well-being of Suffolk County's residents.