Port Jefferson Rotary (March 1, 2016) (Mar 01, 2016)

Today, our visiting speaker was Matthew Rizzo, representing the non-profit organization "Grassroots Environmental Education, Inc.", who spoke to us about LI water quality and quantity, the aquifer system, and surface water. He began by reminding us that the water we drink and use comes from beneath us- from underground aquifers (unconsolidated layers of sand, gravel, and water) that were formed by retreating glaciers following a series of ice ages. The 3 aquifers are the Upper Glacial, the Magothy, and the Lloyd. The first is mostly too polluted for use as drinking water. Most of our water comes from the Magothy Aquifer, which lies 200-800 feet below the ground's surface. Only a few LI communities get their water from the lowest aquifer (mostly on the South Shore). The aquifers are replenished by rain and melting snow. Unfortunately, our groundwater is being significantly polluted by cesspools and poorly maintained septic systems that discharge human waste pollutants, including nitrogen and pathogens, that seep into the aquifers. When groundwater mixes with surface waters, the nitrogen present causes harmful algal blooms, contaminating beaches and shellfish beds. Also polluting our aquifers via seepage: fertilizers, motor oil, gasoline, pesticides, solvents, pet waste, pharmaceuticals, and other hazardous industrial chemicals. 60% of marshlands on the South Shore have decayed. The North Shore has the highest amount of polluting pesticides (due to the presence of wineries and farming where they're used). Among examples of major pollution noted: the Grumman facility in Bethpage is one of the areas where toxic chemicals were dumped into the ground for many years, creating a super plume heading towards the bays and spreading beyond; salt water intrusion has polluted drinking water in Long Beach and other ocean shore communities. Among expensive solutions proposed to remediate/reduce our growing pollution problem: installation of sewer systems with state of the art wastewater treatment plants and nitrogen capture technologies to be used on on septic systems -and desalinization. While waiting for our government representatives and agencies to act, what can we do to help? Here are a few of the many suggestions offered: Cease flushing unused meds in the toilet; maintain lawns and gardens organically, using low nitrogen and organic, water-insoluble fertilizers; don't dump household chemicals down drains or used oil and petroleum products in street drains, gutters, or soil; curb pets and dispose of their waste responsibly; check and pump septic systems and cesspools regularly; purchase water-saving appliances and fixtures; repair leaks promptly; recycle systems for the home reusing "gray water" from showers, etc., for non-drinking situations; and conserve: use less water whenever possible. Our speaker reminded us that since the aquifers are our only source of clean, fresh drinking water, they must be protected. He suggested that we learn more about our water problem and possible solutions by checking information presented on LIWater.org and the Jump In! Face Book page.