Students rally leaders behind Long Island groundwater initiative

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Student members of Residents Forward Youth Climate Action gathered regional leaders at the Port Washington Public Library on June 18 to advance a campaign aimed at protecting Long Island’s groundwater supply and securing support for a long-term water sustainability initiative.

The briefing served as a follow-up to the students’ Earth Day presentation, “Save Water, Save the Bagel, A New York Problem,” held earlier this year at Landmark on Main Street. During the event, students presented a 20-minute TED-style talk outlining concerns about increasing stress on Long Island’s sole-source aquifer system and urged local governments, environmental organizations and other stakeholders to support the proposed “LI Groundwater Rebalance 2050” initiative.

The campaign seeks commitments from 50 organizations and 1,000 individuals to sign a letter to New York State leaders requesting funding for water conservation and groundwater recharge efforts. Proposed solutions include smart irrigation technologies, water reuse programs, water withdrawal management strategies and green infrastructure projects designed to improve aquifer recharge.

Attendees included elected officials from the Town of North Hempstead, village mayors, representatives from water pollution control districts, golf course superintendents and environmental organizations including the North Shore Land Alliance and ReWild Long Island.

The initiative was developed in collaboration with water suppliers and groundwater experts to address challenges such as over-pumping, saltwater intrusion and long-term water sustainability.

“What is most exciting is the momentum we are building,” said Mindy Germain, vice president and chair of education for Residents Forward, Port Washington water commissioner and mentor to the students. “Seeing so many organizations want to join LI Groundwater Rebalance 2050 today reinforces that people understand the urgency of the challenge and are ready to be part of the solution.”

Sarah Meyland, associate professor of environmental technology and sustainability at the New York Institute of Technology and a retired environmental attorney, said the effort represents an important step in protecting Long Island’s water resources.

“This program to ‘Rebalance the Aquifers’ marks another important step toward managing and protecting the groundwater supply on Long Island,” Meyland said. “It merits support from a diverse group of individuals and organizations. It is time to move forward.”

Former state Assembly Member Michelle Schimel, a member of the Western Nassau Aquifer Committee, said the students have brought attention to an issue that requires immediate action.

“The students bring a compelling sense of urgency to the need for groundwater management solutions — we must heed their call to action,” Schimel said.

Residents Forward Youth Climate Action student Vivian Muller said broad participation is necessary to achieve meaningful progress.

“It’s important for decision-makers to come together and understand the urgency of this initiative since change can’t just come from individual actions,” Muller said. “It needs to also come from the policy level.”

Fellow student Jake Weiss emphasized the importance of community involvement.

“One person can make a difference, but real change happens when communities come together around a shared purpose,” Weiss said. “That’s why we’re asking local governments, organizations and residents across Long Island to sign the LI Groundwater Rebalance 2050 letter, because protecting our water supply requires all of us working together.”

Patty Katz, a commissioner with a local water pollution control district, said conservation and responsible wastewater reuse are essential to preserving Long Island’s drinking water supply.

“As a sewer commissioner, I believe water conservation and responsible effluent reuse are critical investments in the long-term sustainability of Long Island’s most precious resource — our sole-source aquifer,” Katz said. “Protecting and preserving this vital resource is not only an environmental responsibility, but a commitment to ensuring a secure water future for generations to come.”

Long Island depends entirely on groundwater from its aquifer system for drinking water. Studies by the United States Geological Survey and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation have identified increasing risks associated with saltwater intrusion, particularly in coastal communities, as seasonal water demand rises.

According to research cited by the students, Long Islanders use an average of 140 gallons of water per person per day, approximately 70% higher than the national average of 80 gallons.

Organizers said they hope the growing coalition of municipalities, environmental groups and residents will help build support for state-level investments needed to protect Long Island’s water supply for future generations.