COME TO THE ORIENT WATER FORUM
to hear about the future of Orient’s Water Resources
Will there be enough? Will it be drinkable? Are areas of Orient more vulnerable?

Saturday, October 25th
Poquatuck Hall
9:00-12:30 pm

Hosted by the Orient Association, speakers include experts from the United States Geological Survey, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, the NY State Dept. of Environmental Conservation, the Suffolk County Water Authority, CDM Smith, Shelter Island, and the Town of Southold.

“Forever Chemicals” & Other Contaminants In Orient’s Fresh Water

Private wells in Orient tested positive for PFAS compounds; nearly half of the wells in Orient village had PFAS levels over New York State’s maximum contaminant level (“MCL”) and 18% have nitrate levels over the MCL.  Learn more about testing, filtration and cleanup efforts.

SEA LEVEL RISE AND SALTWATER INTRUSION IN ORIENT WELLS

Sea level in Orient is projected to rise 47 inches by 2100.  The rise will impact many aspects of life in Orient, not least the aquifer that provides Orient’s fresh water. When will this be something Orient needs to address?  Who will be impacted the most and when is this likely to occur?

PUBLIC WATER – DOES ORIENT NEED IT?

Orient’s households and farms currently rely on onsite wells for fresh water.  The Suffolk County Water Authority has recently included a water main extension from East Marion to Orient in the environmental review for its planned North Fork Pipeline project.  What are the pros and cons of public water and are there alternatives?

Read the Orient Association’s recently published Orient Water Resources Study, a three-year long project to evaluate the quantity and quality of our drinking water and the health of our bays for more information.

Recent Happenings

Southold Zoning Update Project – July 29, 2025 3-4pm

Southold Zoning Update Project – July 29, 2025 3-4pm

Proposed Zoning Changes, OA Workshop, June 29, 3:00 - 4:30 Poquatuck Hall, OrientPlease come join us to discuss the proposed zoning changes to the Southold Town zoning code. We will be walking through the proposed changes for Orient and what it means for the community. We will provide information on how to share your feedback and comments with the Town.
read more
Orient Water Resources Study Is Finally Here!

Orient Water Resources Study Is Finally Here!

In 2022 the Orient Association embarked on a comprehensive study of Orient’s water resources: fresh, salt and waste. It's finally complete! Our hope is that this report informs the community about how our water ecosystems work, presents hard data about those ecosystems, sets up the challenges and opportunities unique to Orient, and offers some options for the future. We invite you to join us on this deep dive into Orient’s waters!
read more
SCWA Southold Scoping Session Summary – June 12, 2025

SCWA Southold Scoping Session Summary – June 12, 2025

Suffolk County Water Authority presented a public scoping session about the proposed North Fork Pipeline project which would install a 24" pipeline from Flanders, though Riverhead and connect to SCWA's water system in Southold. A proposed second phase would run a 12" extension from East Marion across the causeway and primarily serve residents of Orient Village.
read more