PFAS Fact Sheet: Long Island Drinking Water Contamination Explained

Greenstein & Pittari, LLP | Serving Nassau County & Suffolk County

Clean drinking water should never come with unanswered questions. Across Long Island, PFAS-often called “forever chemicals”-have been detected in groundwater and public water systems. Many families are only now learning what PFAS are, how exposure happens, and why it matters.

This page is designed to give Long Island residents a clear, factual overview of PFAS contamination, health concerns, and what to understand if you live in Nassau County or Suffolk County.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of thousands of artificial chemicals developed in the 1940s.

They have been widely used because they resist:

• Heat
• Water
• Grease
• Stains

These chemicals are found in:

• Firefighting foam (AFFF)
• Non-stick cookware
• Water-resistant fabrics
• Food packaging
• Industrial processes

Why Are PFAS Called “Forever Chemicals”?

PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they:

• Do not break down naturally in the environment
• Can persist in soil and groundwater for decades
• May accumulate in the human body over time

Once exposure occurs, PFAS can remain in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and bloodstream for years.

Why Long Island Is Especially Vulnerable

Long Island relies on a sole-source aquifer, meaning nearly all drinking water comes from groundwater beneath Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

Because of this:

• Contamination can spread through groundwater over time
• Entire communities-not just individual homes-can be affected
• There is no alternative water source to dilute contamination

How PFAS Can Enter Drinking Water

PFAS can reach Long Island’s groundwater through several pathways:

• Firefighting foam used at airports and training sites
• Military installations and emergency response training areas
• Industrial manufacturing and chemical discharge
• Landfills and waste disposal sites
• Wastewater treatment and biosolids

These chemicals can migrate through soil and into aquifers, sometimes remaining undetected for years.

How People Are Exposed to PFAS

Common exposure pathways include:

• Drinking tap water or well water
• Cooking with contaminated water
• Eating food grown in contaminated soil
• Eating fish from affected waterways
• Contact with contaminated soil or dust

For many residents, drinking water is the primary source of exposure.

Health Concerns Associated With PFAS

Research is ongoing, but PFAS exposure has been linked in studies to several serious health conditions, including:

Cancers Commonly Discussed

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer

Other Conditions

• Thyroid disease (including hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders)
• Ulcerative colitis
• Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia

Additional Reported Concerns

• Immune system suppression
• Hormone disruption
• Developmental effects in children
• Reduced vaccine response

Many of these conditions may develop years after exposure.

Public Water vs. Private Wells on Long Island

Public Water Systems

• Regularly tested and regulated
• Reports are typically available through annual water quality reports

Private Wells

• Not routinely monitored
• Draw directly from local groundwater
• May require independent testing to identify PFAS

Understanding PFAS Testing and Reports

PFAS cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.

To understand potential exposure, residents often rely on:

• Water district Consumer Confidence Reports
• State and federal contamination databases
• Historical testing data (not just current results)

Looking at past contamination levels can be just as important as current readings.

Why PFAS Contamination Matters Over Time

PFAS contamination is not always immediate or obvious. Key factors include:

• Long-term exposure rather than short-term contact
• Bioaccumulation in the human body
• Delayed onset of illness
• Widespread impact due to groundwater movement

This is why many families only begin asking questions after a serious diagnosis.

What Long Island Residents Should Know

• PFAS contamination has been reported in multiple Nassau and Suffolk communities
• Exposure may still be relevant even if you moved away years ago
• You do not need to have personally tested your water to begin understanding your risk
• Historical water data and location history are often key pieces of information

Next Steps for Concerned Residents

If you are concerned about PFAS exposure, consider:

• Writing down your address history on Long Island
• Identifying your water provider (if known)
• Reviewing available water quality reports
• Keeping records of any medical diagnoses or symptoms

Understanding your exposure starts with gathering basic information.

Learn More About PFAS and Your Options

This fact sheet is intended to provide general information about PFAS contamination on Long Island.

If you would like to:

• Understand how exposure is evaluated
• Learn how contamination is investigated
• Explore whether your situation may require further review

You can speak with the team at Greenstein & Pittari, LLP for additional guidance.

Free, Confidential Consultation

Call 1-800-VICTIM2 (1-800-842-8462)
No upfront fees. No obligation.