SCWA Honors Fred Thiele

The Suffolk County Water Authority awarded Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. the Drinking Water Champion plaque at its board meeting on Thursday, October 17, in recognition of his 30-year career in the New York State Assembly and his commitment to protecting Suffolk County’s water supply.

“Fred Thiele has not only been a champion for clean water, but a champion for the Suffolk County Water Authority itself,” said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. “His legislative efforts have strengthened our ability to deliver high-quality drinking water to our customers, and we are deeply grateful for his partnership and leadership.”

Assemblyman Thiele championed legislation that allowed SCWA and other water providers to hold polluters accountable for contaminating Long Island’s aquifer. Thiele sponsored a series of bills that extended the statute of limitations for legal action against manufacturers of emerging contaminants, clarified the law’s intent when challenged in court and defined recoverable costs to ensure that taxpayers and customers don’t bear the financial burden of cleaning up pollution.

“Fred’s dedication to protecting our aquifer and holding polluters accountable has had a profound and lasting impact on SCWA’s operations and, most importantly, on the customers we serve,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. “He has been a steadfast ally, always asking, ‘How can I help?’ and we are fortunate to have had his support for so many years.”

Among Thiele’s other legislative accomplishments is a bill improving SCWA’s ability to recover overdue payments, which has saved customers millions of dollars, and legislation reducing barriers to connecting homes to public water by facilitating water line installations across unimproved roads.

“Fred’s support for SCWA and clean water has spanned his entire career,” said SCWA Board Member Tim Bishop. “I’ve had the pleasure of being his constituent in every role he’s served, from County Legislator and Southampton Town Supervisor to Assemblymember. Fred is certainly one of the most impactful elected officials that Long Island has ever had. His commitment to public service and the environment has left a lasting legacy for Suffolk County.”

In addition to his SCWA-specific work, Thiele has been a driving force behind broader environmental protections, including the creation of the Community Preservation Fund on the East End, funding major water quality improvement projects and enabling local governments to better monitor groundwater impacts from mining operations.

“Assemblyman Thiele’s legislative legacy is one of tireless advocacy for clean water, environmental protection and the health of Long Island’s residents,” said Chairman Lefkowitz. “On behalf of the Suffolk County Water Authority, we are honored to present this plaque as a symbol of our deep appreciation for your decades of service and commitment.”