Goals
The purpose of the Water Quality Improvement Division is to protect and improve Suffolk County’s ground and surface waters. Protecting and maintaining the quality of our groundwater resources is especially important in Suffolk County because we are located above a federally designated Sole Source Aquifer system. This means that 100% of our drinking water comes from these natural underground reservoirs therefore preserving the integrity of our groundwater systems is critical for public health.
The protection and restoration of the vast arrays of surface waters in Suffolk County is extremely important in maintaining the ecosystem services that our natural aquatic environment provides. Suffolk County is surrounded by three vital estuary systems: the South Shore Estuary Reserve, the Peconic Estuary, and the Long Island Sound and contains numerous rivers, streams, tributaries, lakes, and ponds. Protecting and restoring Suffolk County’s fresh and salt water systems is crucial for preserving and benefiting the environmental, economic, aesthetic, and recreational advantages afforded to our community by our unique aquatic environment.
Administrative Responsibilities
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Supervises administers, and implements the ¼% sales tax funded Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program and Land Stewardship Initiatives (WQPRP) under Section 12-2 (B) of the Suffolk County Charter.
- Provides administrative and technical support to the WQPRP Review Committee which recommends all funding through the WQPRP
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Coordinates activities being performed by the County Department of Public Works and the County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Conservation under Section 12-2 (B) of the Suffolk County Charter via personnel and / or consultants funded in those departments under the ¼% County Drinking Water Protection Program, Fund 477.
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Oversees all water quality improvement projects approved for grant funding.
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Represents the Commissioner at various public and governmental meetings.
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Serves on numerous committees and task forces as required.
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Maintain records and documents for all active Water Quality projects.
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Secures funding assistance through Federal and State grant programs and administers grants awarded to the County for Water Quality projects and programs.
WQPRP Funding applications 2023
The Water Quality Improvement Division is pleased to issue a new Call for Applications for WQPRP funding during 2023. The application deadline is June 9, 2023 at 4:00PM. Please see the following documents for more information on the current Call for Applications and submission instructions: