Shallow groundwater quality in the Village of Patchogue, Suffolk County, New York

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the Village of Patchogue and the New York Department of State, collected water quality samples from 10 shallow wells within the village to document the effects of onsite wastewater disposal on groundwater that discharges to the Patchogue River. The onsite disposal of wastewater within the Patchogue River basin—a riverine estuary that discharges into Great South Bay, Suffolk County, Long Island, N.Y. —has adversely affected water quality and aquatic habitats within both the tidal and nontidal portions of the river. Of particular concern are increases in nutrient concentrations (nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and phosphorus), which can lead to eutrophication in receiving waters. Among the undesirable effects of eutrophication are an increase in water turbidity, odors at low tide, algal blooms, and a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentration, which can result in fish and shellfish mortality. In response to increased development within the approximately 14 squaremile basin, the Village of Patchogue has begun to develop a Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan that will guide efforts to improve water quality of the Patchogue River and the adjacent Great South Bay estuary.