Major Project Underway To Restore Water Quality In Montauk

MONTAUK, NY — A new plan to improve water quality in Lake Montauk was announced this week.

The Concerned Citizens of Montauk group announced a new partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey Thursday; the USGS will use advanced scientific analysis to track the sources and significance of pollutants entering the lake, CCOM said.

Called “microbial source tracking,” the critical information will establish a crucial baseline of pollutants and help CCOM drive measurable improvements in Montauk’s ground and surface water, the group said.

CCOM President Laura Tooman explained why the program is critical. “Understanding the sources of pollution entering Montauk’s waters will help us identify and implement targeted, effective solutions. We’ve already seen significant participation in our Save the Lake-Save the Pond program. This partnership takes it to the next level.”

She added that CCOM was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with USGS. "They have an unparalleled reputation as leaders in water quality monitoring and analysis,” she said.

High bacteria loads have made parts of Lake Montauk unsafe for swimming and shellfishing, placing Lake Montauk on New York State's list of impaired waters, Tooman said.

Elevated nitrogen levels, from outdated and ineffective septic systems, have led to a proliferation of harmful algal blooms in recent years, she added.

In recent years, CCOM has been working to reverse the damage by teaming up with homeowners and local government to target the causes and sources of pollution.

“We are able to fund this significant new program because of the remarkable generosity of donors who have supported our Clean Water Challenge, including CCOM sustainer circle members, whose 3-year financial commitments help make this program possible,” said Ed Braun, CCOM’s board chairman. “We are also deeply grateful to the Town of East Hampton, which recently approved significant funding towards the effort to this important effort to monitor damaging nitrogen levels.”

Lake Montauk will be one of 6 project areas across Long Island, contributing the easternmost data.

Sampling is set to commence in early 2018, with a final report available in 2019, Tooman said,

Patch courtesy photo.