Have you ever wondered what happens after you flush your toilet? There are two main types of drainage systems that are designed to take care of your business: septic systems (including cesspools) and sewer systems.
How Do They Work?
- Septic Systems collect the wastewater from your house or building, and use enzymes and bacteria to break down the waste. The solids and liquids are separated, with the liquids draining into soil through a leach field. They are simple and self-contained, but on Long Island, many of these systems leak nitrogen and germs into the groundwater even when working well. That nitrogen turns into nitrate and eventually makes its way into bays and wells, impacting water quality.
- Sewer Systems are composed of a network of pipes that carry wastewater from your house to a municipal water treatment plant/facility. There, it purifies the water from the area in multiple stages to remove contaminants before releasing the cleaned water into local waterways.
Which is Better?
While there is no right answer for everyone, it depends on cost, region, and local needs. Here are some facts that can help you decide for yourself.
- Septic systems are often cheaper and work well for individual homes.
- Sewer systems offer better environmental protection, especially in dense areas.
- On Long Island, about 74% of Suffolk and 15–30% of Nassau homes rely on septic/cesspools .
- Nearly 360,000 such systems in Suffolk and ~40,000 in Nassau leak nitrogen into local waters
Taking Action: Upgrades & Eco-Friendly Options
1. Nitrogen‑Reducing Septic Systems (I/A systems)
These systems use extra treatment, such as anaerobic/aerobic bacteria or filtration to cut around 70–90% of nitrogen compared to old systems.
2. Grant Programs
Nassau’s S.E.P.T.I.C. offers up to $20,000 for upgrading to nitrogen‑reducing systems, with around 400 completed so far . Suffolk provides up to $30,000 grants and low-interest financing.
3. Expand Sewer Networks
Nassau handles ~85% of wastewater via sewers. In Suffolk, there’s a multi-million-dollar push ($3.8 M+) to connect communities and recycle treated water .
Long Island’s Septic Problem
- Groundwater is our water source: 100% of drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk comes from aquifers, which are threatened by septic leaks .
- Rising nitrogen levels: Some aquifers tripled in nitrate from 1987 to 2005 .
- Impact on bays: Excess nitrogen fuels harmful algal blooms, oxygen-starved “dead zones,” and hurts shellfish. In Suffolk, up to 68% of bay nitrogen comes from septic systems.
- Public health risks: Unchecked nitrogen and pathogens threaten wells and public health. Old cesspools can even collapse without proper maintenance.
Why It Matters to You—and What You Can Do
- Protect your drinking water: Safe septic systems mean cleaner water for your taps.
- Improve local waters: Easier fishing, swimming, healthy marine life, and vibrant bays.
- Support property and community values: Clean water boosts tourism, property prices, and community pride .
What you can do:
- Test your well for nitrates and coliform—once every 1–2 years is ideal.
- Apply for upgrade grants if your septic is old or near water.
- Choose nitrogen-reducing systems or ask your contractor about I/A tech.
- Reduce runoff with rain gardens, barrels—you might qualify for $500!
- Back sewer expansion projects and speak up to local officials.
- Educate others: share how septic upgrades help public health and the environment
Citations + Resources to check out!
How Septic Systems Work | US EPA
Where Does It Go When I Flush? | The Nature Conservancy
Septic System Impacts on Water Sources | US EPA
Groundwater Sustainability of the Long Island Aquifer System | U.S. Geological Survey