“Hempstead Harbor and Cold Spring Harbor were ranked “poor,” with low water clarity and oxygen levels, as well as elevated levels of coliform bacteria and algal blooms.

The warmer weather, heavy rains, and the more stagnant bays and bodies of water that are not refreshed by the ocean are factors. But the main issue is old septic systems, Gobler said.

Monitoring locations that have sewer systems where wastewater is treated had”good” or “fair” rankings.”

-Long Island Newsday

WHAT TO KNOW

• Monitoring at about 30 sites across Long Island showed water quality at an “all-time low,” officials said Thursday.
• Nitrogen from wastewater is the main problem, causing a lack of oxygen in the water and other factors that negatively impact marine life.
• Installing updated septic systems and connecting to sewer systems can help reduce nitrogen and improve water quality.

Source from Long Island Newsday