DEC Releases Final Long Island Watershed Action Agenda

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the release of the finalized Long Island Watershed Action Agenda (PDF). The Action Agenda is a clear-cut blueprint for water quality improvements, aquatic habitat conservation, groundwater protection, and the public engagement necessary to ensure success for the surface, coastal, and ground waters of Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"Governor Hochul is ensuring that we protect Long Island's sole-source aquifer and providing the resources to safeguard this valuable and unique groundwater source helps ensure millions of people in Nassau and Suffolk counties have affordable, clean water to drink," Commissioner Lefton said. "The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda Action Agenda will guide actions and investments to improve water and aquatic habitats, while bolstering partnerships and engagement with the public, local officials, and stakeholders."

The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda is an evolution of the success of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan (LINAP) and will expand the scope of its work beyond nitrogen reduction. Long Island is almost entirely dependent on its sole-source aquifer. Under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership, the finalized Action Agenda will advance additional efforts to protect the aquifer and the unparalleled recreational and commercial water resources that are vital to the residents, visitors and tourists, and aquatic and terrestrial species on Long Island.

The Action Agenda is a strategic framework developed by the Long Island Watershed Program and its Implementation Committee, a group of key regional stakeholders, to guide the actions and next steps to improve watershed issues resources locally. The Action Agenda is organized by four main goal topics, with objectives and implementation actions outlined under each goal. The four goals are: clean water; healthy habitats; sustainable groundwater resources; and inspired and engaged public.

The goals will guide DEC's efforts to coordinate with federal, State, and local partners to address the most urgent actions needed to protect and restore Long Island's watersheds.

"Long Islanders love our harbors, bays, lakes, streams, and ocean. When government and stakeholders work together we can make significant strides in clean waters and healthy habitats. The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda provides a needed template to implement projects across Long Island addressing problems such as excessive nitrogen, plastic pollution, and degraded habitats. This action-based plan will protect and restore ground and surface water resources throughout Long Island. We thank Commissioner Lefton for her leadership in developing this important action plan and Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to clean water throughout New York," Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said.

"The Long Island Watershed Action Agenda represents a landmark step forward in our collective commitment to safeguard Long Island's water resources. The Long Island Regional Planning Council commends DEC for its leadership in advancing this comprehensive blueprint, which builds upon the success of the Long Island Nitrogen Action Plan and expands our focus to all facets of watershed health. Through continued collaboration, science, and investment, we can ensure clean water for future generations," Long Island Regional Planning Council Chair John Cameron said.

DEC hosted a webinar on July 15, 2025, to present an overview of the Action Agenda and encourage interested New Yorkers to provide comments and feedback on the plan. Video of the webinar is available on DEC's Long Island Watershed Program (LIWP) webpage.

New York's Commitment to Water Quality

New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure, including more than $2.2 billion in financial assistance from EFC for local water infrastructure projects in State Fiscal Year 2024 alone. With $500 million allocated for clean water infrastructure in the FY26 Enacted Budget announced by Governor Hochul, New York will have invested a total of $6 billion in water infrastructure between 2017 and this year. This includes $700 million in water investments on Long Island, including $66.1 million for the State Septic System replacement program. Any community needing assistance with water infrastructure projects is encouraged to contact EFC. New Yorkers can track projects benefiting from EFC's investments using the interactive project impact dashboard.