Long Island has long been synonymous with poor water quality, primarily due to its reliance on groundwater as the primary source. Groundwater is particularly susceptible to contamination from human-made and natural sources, which has led to persistent water quality issues despite advancements in treatment technologies. Understanding these contaminants and their potential health impacts is crucial to safeguarding your family’s health.

Here are the seven worst contaminants still found in Long Island water:

1. Dioxane

1,4-Dioxane is a synthetic industrial chemical commonly used in solvents, paint strippers, and personal care products like detergents and shampoos. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) considers 1,4-dioxane to be a human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to this chemical can lead to serious health issues, including damage to the liver and kidneys, and an increased risk of developing tumors and cancers in these organs. Dioxane has been known to enter the environment in several ways. It can be released into the air, water, and soil, and it can evaporate like water. It can also move through soil to contaminate groundwater. When mixed with water, 1,4-dioxane does not readily break down or degrade, making it a persistent contaminant in water sources​​.

2. PFAS/PFOAs

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are highly durable and resistant to breaking down in the environment. These man-made chemicals are used in products such as nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant clothing. These chemicals enter Long Island’s groundwater through industrial sites and consumer product disposal, making them a widespread and persistent problem. PFAS was found to be 2.5 times above EWG’s Health Guideline. PFAS exposure has been linked to immune system dysfunction, developmental issues, and increased risks of cancer.

3. Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a chemical commonly used as an industrial solvent, particularly for degreasing metal parts, and can contaminate soil and groundwater, eventually reaching drinking water supplies. TCE is recognized by health authorities as a human carcinogen. Prolonged exposure to TCE has been linked to serious health issues, including liver and kidney damage, neurological effects, and an increased risk of cancer. Recent data indicates that TCE levels in some areas of Suffolk County are 18 times higher than the health guidelines set by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

4. Nitrates

Nitrogen contamination often stems from fertilizers, septic systems, and wastewater runoff. Excess nitrogen in water supplies can lead to elevated nitrate levels, which are particularly dangerous for infants, potentially causing a condition known as “blue baby syndrome.” Nitrates were found to be 18 times above the EWG’s Health Guideline. Beyond health risks, nitrogen contributes to harmful algal blooms and ecosystem degradation. On Long Island, agricultural and suburban runoff are the primary contributors to nitrogen pollution.

5. Disinfectants and Byproducts

Disinfectants like chlorine are essential for eliminating pathogens in water supplies, but their interaction with organic matter produces harmful byproducts, including trihalomethanes (THMs). These byproducts are linked to cancer and other health issues. Alarmingly, levels of TTHMs in some Long Island water systems exceed health guidelines by more than 34 times.

6. Radium and Radon

Radium and radon are naturally occurring radioactive elements that can seep into groundwater. Radium contamination often occurs in deep wells, while radon, a radioactive gas, can dissolve into water supplies. Radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, especially when it accumulates indoors from water or soil. Radon levels in some Long Island water systems exceed health guidelines by 14 times, and radium levels in some areas are significantly above the EPA’s MCL of 5 picocuries per liter (pCi/L).

7. Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that contaminates water through the erosion of rocks and soil, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff. It is classified as a carcinogen, with long-term exposure linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers, as well as cardiovascular and developmental issues. Arsenic levels in some Long Island water systems exceed the EPA’s MCL of 10 parts per billion (ppb), underscoring the severity of this contamination.

Protecting Yourself with Simply PURE

The presence of these contaminants in Long Island’s water supply highlights the need for advanced water filtration systems. Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration is one of the most effective methods for removing contaminants At Simply PURE, we offer customized water purification solutions designed to address Long Island’s specific water quality challenges. Our systems ensure clean, safe water for drinking, cooking, and everyday use, giving you peace of mind.

Want to learn more? Contact us at Simply PURE Water Filtration to get your water analyzed, and find out more about what’s in your water!

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The 7 Worst Contaminants Still Found in Long Island Water

About Simply PURE Water Filtration Services

Living in and serving the Long Island community, we strive to make sure everyone has access to clean, healthy water. We have the experience, knowledge, and industry-leading technology to provide clean water solutions for water impurities, contaminants, hard water, bad tasting/odors, well water, acidity & pH regulations.

Proud members of the WQA (Water Quality Association), and the EWQA (Eastern Water Quality Association), we adhere to strict guidelines and the WQA code of ethics. As a Pentair True Blue Partner and Authorized Distributor of Pentair Products, there’s nothing comparable to the performance, and efficiency of our whole house purification systems, water softeners, neutralizers, whole-house filters, and alkaline reverse osmosis systems for drinking in the convenience of your home.

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Our products are all NSF / ANSI certified, meeting the highest safety standards and quality performance. Providing our community with only the best experience of high quality water that’s Simply PURE from our family to yours!

Simply PURE utilizes accurate testing methods before and after system installation, as well as annual maintenance of all your water treatment equipment. Our Revolutionary Custom Built Water Treatment systems upon the completion of a Free In-Home Water Analysis, or an in-depth Comprehensive Water Analysis of your choice sent to our Certified Laboratory.

Customers Frequently Ask..

The answer to this question depends on which kind of drinking water you’re talking about. There are multiple agencies responsible for regulating water quality in the U.S., and there are some who are more critical about the way it’s handled.

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The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is in charge of overseeing the water that comes out of your tap. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees and regulates the quality of bottled water.

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Individual states are responsible for regulating water that is bottled and sold within their borders. Finally, your municipality must make sure it is following federal and state standards regarding water quality.

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The EPA does not regulate private wells, and rules for testing differ from state to state. In many cases, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure their well water is safe.

Certain things can affect the flavor, odor, and appearance of your tap water, not all of them are necessarily harmful.

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Many people with public water can taste the chlorine, although the most noticeable problems tend to come from private wells. Contaminants like sulfur can impact the smell, while iron will cause discoloration and staining.

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The overall amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in your tap water will definitely affect the taste, smell, and appearance. While many of these issues are not serious concerns, they can certainly be a nuisance. Water filtration systems, including a high-efficiency water softener to reduce hardness, can provide solutions.

This process is called “reverse” osmosis because the pressure forces the water to flow in the reverse direction (from the concentrated solution to the dilute solution) to the flow direction (from the dilute to the concentrated) in the process of natural osmosis. RO removes ionized salts, colloids, and organic molecules down to a molecular weight of 100.

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You can get a whole-house RO, but more commonly, a point-of-use RO system would be on your countertop or installed under the sink. They’re great for treating water for cooking and drinking, but they don’t usually produce large amounts of treated water — more like 3 to 10 gallons a day. For that reason, typically people choose to install RO-treated faucets in the most popular areas of the home such as kitchens and bathrooms, as opposed to installing it for every drinking tap. Just like any other kind of filter technology, reverse osmosis systems require regular maintenance. That includes periodically replacing the unit’s prefilters, postfilters, and membrane modules.

Due to the media attention Flint, Michigan, received over its water crisis, a lot of people have questions about lead in public water systems around the U.S.

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Lead (as well as copper) typically enters the public supply by leaching into water from corroded fixtures and outdated plumbing. Homes built before 1986 will likely have plumbing with copper pipes using solder that may contain lead.

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Lead can cause serious negative health effects, especially in children. The challenge is that it is undetectable by human senses. You can check with your local water authority for information about lead levels, but it’s important to note that the CDC and EPA say there’s no level of lead recognized as safe for consumption.

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If you have concerns about the presence of lead in your water, you can have it tested in a state-certified laboratory. You can also read more in our article on lead in drinking water.

Softening hard water can mitigate many of its objectionable effects. Water softening can be done either at point of entry or point of use. One of the unique advantages offered by point-of-use water softening is the opportunity for homemakers to have either hard or soft water for drinking. This choice is not available if the water supply is softened municipally. Hardness minerals can be reduced in water to make it “softer” by using one of three basic means:

  • Chemical softening—lime softening, hot and cold; lime-soda softening
  • Membrane separation softening—Nano filtration
  • Cation exchange softening—inorganic, carbonaceous, or organic base exchangers
  • Softening water for home needs is done almost exclusively through the use of cation exchange.

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Customer Testimonials

"Absolutely amazing service from beginning to end. Trustworthy and reliable to work with. And the water taste!! It’s incredible the difference after we installed our water filtration system throughout our house. Also knowing my kids are drinking the purest of water is the biggest game changer. I would absolutely recommend Vinny and staff."

Randi Demetriou 

"We had a recent installation done by Vinny at Simply PURE and we couldn’t be happier. Vinny is reputable, reliable, efficient and the service is great. The water is so clean and tastes great, we don’t have to think twice about what is coming out of our faucet! Thank you Vinny!

Mike D.