Upcoming Event in Southampton Village Will Provide Valuable Information to Homeowners Interested in Septic System Upgrades

Improving water quality — particularly the health of lakes and ponds — has been one of the most pressing issues in Southampton Village for years.

In November, village officials are teaming up with the Lake Agawam Conservancy and the New York State Center for Clean Water Technology at Stony Brook University to provide vital information and resources for homeowners who want to do their part.

On November 22, the Southampton Cultural Center will host a community event where residents can gather information on upgrading their home with a low-nitrogen septic system, paid for with non-taxable grants,
that often cover the entire cost, including any associated landscaping.

Homeowners can connect with expert assistants, who will help guide them through the process, including paperwork submission that will determine how much of the project can be paid for.

Every existing conventional septic system is eligible to be replaced with an I/A (innovative/alternative) system.

Upgrading individual septic systems in one way that the village can help address the persistent problem of nitrogen loading, that causes harmful algae blooms and has led to the pollution of important water bodies and village landmarks, like Lake Agawam, Old Town Pond and other water bodies. The village is also in the process of trying to create a sewer district, which would be a big boost to enhancing water quality.

The November event will begin with opening remarks from Southampton Village Deputy Mayor Len Zinnanti, followed by a presentation from Dr. Chris Gobler, the director of the Center for Clean Water Technology and a local water quality expert.

After that, Thomas Varley, watershed manager for Center for Clean Water Technology, will go over the septic replacement process and talk about the various grant programs that are available for homeowners. A Q&A session will follow, moderated by Suffolk County Legislator Ann Welker. That session will include David Rhoades, president of TF Engineering, PLLC, a Sag Harbor-based civil engineering firm that specializes in a variety of services, including innovative and advanced onsite wastewater treatment design.

A model of a low-nitrogen septic system will be on display outside at the event.

For more information, contact Lynn Arthur at 631-871-8877.