Press Releases

Contact: Public Relations Department
Suffolk County Water Authority
PO Box 37
Oakdale NY 11769
(631) 563-0296

May 16, 2002
SCWA GOES ORGANIC

The Suffolk County Water Authority today announced a new environmental initiative in conjunction with Long Island Organic Horticultural Association (LIOHA), the Long Island Neighborhood Network, and the Long Island Groundwater Research Institute (LIGRI) to study the effects of traditional lawn care techniques versus more environmentally friendly organic techniques. "What we're attempting to do is to use an environmentally friendly best turf management practices program ourselves, measure its results, and share our findings and experiences with our customers", said Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer of the Water Authority. "We want to demonstrate that it is possible to have a green and healthy lawn without the regular use of pesticides, herbicides, and high nitrogen fertilizers that could effect our drinking water."

"To lead by example, our Board approved in March, organic lawn care techniques that were developed by LIOHA at our three customer service facilities and at our headquarters in Oakdale", Jones said. He continued, "We'll be using environmentally friendly lawn care techniques such as low nitrogen organic products and we won't use pesticides and herbicides. For comparison purposes, we'll use a traditional four bag high nitrogen fertilizer program that includes pesticides and herbicides on a small plot at our headquarters, the type of program a homeowner would typically buy at a garden or home center", Jones added. The SCWA does not use any lawn care products at its water production facilities.

LIGRI, which is based at Stony Brook University, will scientifically monitor the amount of nitrogen that leaches into the soil at each of the sites using lysimeters. "Nitrogen, especially in the form of nitrates, is becoming an increasing concern in certain parts of the County and this study will help us better understand the effects of traditional lawn care practices on our groundwater and the bays and estuaries that surround the County", said Dr. Henry Bokuniewicz, Director of LIGRI. Mr. Jones added, "We've always met all drinking water quality standards and will continue to do so but nitrate removal from groundwater is an extremely expensive process which we want to avoid whenever possible."

"Both the Neighborhood Network and LIOHA provided a tremendous amount of guidance in implementing this program and we owe them a debt of gratitude", Jones commented.

More information on lawn care maintenance is available under the Environment section, the Neighborhood Network's site at Longislandnn.org, and LIOHA's site.

The Suffolk County Water Authority is a public benefit corporation operating by virtue of the Public Authories Law of the State of New York. Serving over 80 percent of Suffolk's residents, it operates without taxing power on a non-profit basis.