What is Long Island Pure Water?

LIPW is a 100+ member nonprofit organization formed by citizens of Long Island who recognize the vulnerability and significance of Long Island’s sole source aquifer. Long Island’s industrial history, wide-spread use of cesspools, unique geology, and haphazard regulatory enforcement have irreparably contaminated the drinking water source of three million people. Further, Long Island Water Districts collectively pump approximately 200 billion gallons of water per year from the aquifer which has caused saltwater to intrude into the fresh-water aquifer (a process known as saltwater intrusion). We advocate for Long Islanders’ fundamental right to a sustainable pure drinking water source.

LIPW also recognizes the importance of the saltwater surface water bodies, our tributaries and bays, which surround Long Island. Year after year these waters suffer from degradation caused by toxic pollutants and harmful algae blooms.

The negative impacts on these waters greatly affect our local economy, limit recreational activities and can be harmful to wildlife, including shellfish, fin fish and avian species. LIPW’s focus is on restoring surface water quality, preventing further degradation, and promoting compliance and enforcement of all State and Federal environmental laws and regulations.

LIPW seeks to accomplish its initiatives through communications and negotiations with federal and state agencies, elected officials, stakeholders, and when necessary, enforcement actions and legal proceedings. LIPW hopes to ensure those responsible for threatening the integrity of our sole source aquifer and surface water bodies are held accountable.

Long Island Pure Water Mission

Mission Statement: Long Island Pure Water Ltd. was formed to promote pure water for the benefit of individuals who reside and visit Long Island through management, negotiations, legal proceedings and other activities as permissible under the law for a civic association.