Suffolk County Homeowners Face Critical 2024 Deadline: What You Need to Know About New York’s Cesspool Phase-Out

Suffolk County homeowners are navigating a significant shift in wastewater management as New York State’s cesspool phase-out regulations, which began with legislation signed by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone effective July 1, 2019, continue to evolve in 2024. These groundbreaking changes are designed to combat the nitrogen pollution crisis that has plagued Long Island’s waterways for decades, making 2024 a pivotal year for property owners who need to upgrade their aging cesspool systems.

Understanding the Current Regulatory Landscape

The use of cesspools in new construction has been banned since 1973, and they cannot be used as replacements for old ones. However, the recent legislation has closed critical loopholes. Replacement of existing cesspools and septic systems now requires registration of the new system with the Department of Health Services, and the legislation requires permits for replacement of existing systems.

The regulations have become increasingly stringent. Nitrogen-reducing systems are required for new family residential construction, major reconstruction projects, new multi-family or non-residential projects, and all new commercial projects, with the new regulations aiming to address the problem of nitrogen entering ground and surface water.

Why the Phase-Out is Critical

The environmental stakes couldn’t be higher. Much of Long Island relies on antiquated septic systems and cesspools, especially in Suffolk County, where centralized sewer systems are scarce, with these older systems leaking nitrogen, phosphorus, and PFAS chemicals directly into the ground, and since Long Island is built on sandy soil, contaminants easily seep into the sole source aquifer.

This underground reservoir supplies 100% of the island’s drinking water, with every drop that enters the groundwater flowing either to a drinking water well or into nearby bays, harbors, lakes, or streams, and nitrogen pollution in the groundwater has fueled harmful algal blooms, degraded water quality, and threatened public health and ecosystems.

Financial Assistance Available in 2024

Recognizing the financial burden on homeowners, Suffolk County has expanded its assistance programs significantly. Under the new expansion, homeowners can now be reimbursed for up to 75% of the project cost, or $25,000, for systems that significantly reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and PFAS chemicals. This represents a substantial increase from previous funding levels.

The Suffolk County Septic Improvement Program provides up to $10,000 base grant, with up to an additional $10,000 that can be awarded to a grantee that installs a pressurized shallow drain field leaching system ($5,000) and/or toward the unit installation for low to moderate incomes eligible applicants ($5,000), and Suffolk County also has low interest loans of up to $10,000 through the Community Development Corporation of Long Island.

What Homeowners Must Know About Compliance

The requirements vary depending on your situation. Homeowners are not required to replace their current systems, but if they decide to do so, the new systems must meet the same standards as those established in 1973. However, effective July 2019, all property owners replacing a cesspool are now, at a minimum, required to add a septic tank, and homeowners will also be required to obtain a permit from Suffolk County prior to replacing or retrofitting a cesspool.

For new construction and major renovations, the requirements are more stringent. The changes are effective July 1, 2021 and require I/A OWTS to be installed under a number of circumstances, with reconstruction projects considered “major” when the costs of reconstruction are 50% or more than the market value of the structure.

Choosing the Right Professional for Your Upgrade

When facing the need for system upgrades, selecting an experienced and reliable contractor is crucial. AAA Dependable cesspool is a local, full service, professional Sewer and Drain Cleaning Company, and the premier Long Island cesspool service, with over 15 years of professional drain cleaning and cesspool experience serving Suffolk County.

For homeowners seeking professional cesspool installation Suffolk County, NY, AAA Dependable has been proudly serving the Suffolk community for over 28 years as a family owned company that understands how important it is to have a reliable team you can trust, with customer satisfaction as their number one priority and a commitment to honest, affordable service.

The Path Forward in 2024

Officials hope the new law and financial assistance will lead to more residents and businesses taking action to restore water quality in the county, with the recent cesspool regulations being a crucial step towards improving water quality and combating nitrogen pollution.

The transition away from cesspools represents more than regulatory compliance—it’s an investment in Long Island’s environmental future. The Governor has announced a $30 million investment for Round 5 of the successful State Septic System Replacement Fund Program to help homeowners upgrade or replace failing septic systems, particularly those impacting water bodies designated as priority areas, because Long Island’s water resources are vital to the people who live there, to the local economy, and to the plants and animals that call the island home.

As Suffolk County continues to implement these critical water quality protections, homeowners should act proactively to understand their options, explore available financial assistance, and work with qualified professionals to ensure compliance with the evolving regulations. The 2024 cesspool phase-out represents a historic opportunity to protect Long Island’s precious water resources for future generations.