The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has released the final Long Island Watershed Action Agenda, a plan aimed at improving water quality, conserving aquatic habitats, protecting groundwater, and increasing public engagement across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Commissioner Amanda Lefton highlighted the importance of safeguarding Long Island’s sole-source aquifer. “Governor Hochul is ensuring that we protect Long Island’s sole-source aquifer and providing the resources to safeguard this valuable and unique groundwater source helps ensure millions of people in Nassau and Suffolk counties have affordable, clean water to drink,” said Lefton. “The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda Action Agenda will guide actions and investments to improve water and aquatic habitats, while bolstering partnerships and engagement with the public, local officials, and stakeholders.”
Building on the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP), this new agenda broadens its focus beyond nitrogen reduction to address other threats facing the region’s water supply. The action plan was developed by the Long Island Watershed Program together with an Implementation Committee composed of regional stakeholders. It is structured around four main goals: clean water, healthy habitats, sustainable groundwater resources, and increased public involvement.
These objectives are intended to direct DEC’s work with federal, state, and local partners in tackling urgent watershed issues.
Stakeholders have expressed support for the agenda. Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment stated: “Long Islanders love our harbors, bays, lakes, streams, and ocean. When government and stakeholders work together we can make significant strides in clean waters and healthy habitats. The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda provides a needed template to implement projects across Long Island addressing problems such as excessive nitrogen, plastic pollution, and degraded habitats. This action-based plan will protect and restore ground and surface water resources throughout Long Island. We thank Commissioner Lefton for her leadership in developing this important action plan and Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to clean water throughout New York.”
John Cameron, Chair of the Long Island Regional Planning Council added: “The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda represents a landmark step forward in our collective commitment to safeguard Long Island’s water resources. The Long Island Regional Planning Council commends DEC for its leadership in advancing this comprehensive blueprint, which builds upon the success of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan and expands our focus to all facets of watershed health. Through continued collaboration, science, and investment, we can ensure clean water for future generations.”
Bob DeLuca, President of Group for the East End commented: “On eastern Long Island, clean water lies at the heart of our local economy and our coastal way of life. As such, we applaud the Governor and NYSDEC for the commitment and hard work that it has taken to lead and complete the Clean Water Action Agenda for our region. We look forward to our continued participation in this critically important effort to transform the ambitious goals of the agenda into measurable clean water action.”
A webinar presenting an overview of the plan was held by DEC on July 15th 2025; a recording is available on DEC’s Long Island Watershed Program webpage.
New York State continues investing heavily in water infrastructure improvements statewide. In State Fiscal Year 2024 alone more than $2.2 billion was provided through EFC for local projects; $500 million more was allocated in Governor Hochul’s FY26 budget bringing total investment since 2017 up to $6 billion statewide—including $700 million directed specifically toward Long Island initiatives such as septic system replacements.
Communities seeking assistance with their own projects are encouraged to contact EFC or consult the interactive project impact dashboard tracking ongoing investments.
