The advisory issued last week warning residents to take precautions before recreating on the fresh and tidal portion of the Peconic River was lifted today.
Results of recent sampling conducted by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services indicates the water meets state water quality standards for contact recreation. Samples were taken from various locations from the fresh and tidal portions of the Peconic River, which runs east of Raynor Avenue to mouth of the river.
Suffolk County Health officials will continue to work closely with the NYSDEC, which has jurisdiction over the permitting and enforcement at the facility, and with the management at the Riverhead sewage treatment plant.
Health officials recommend the following steps when swimming or recreating in any waterbody:
- Don't swallow water and consider keeping your face and head out of the water, particularly in areas that are not public bathing beaches. This reduces exposure to bacteria, parasites and other microorganisms that might make people sick by entering the body by swallowing, and through eyes, ears and nose.
- Avoid swimming in cloudy or discolored water as it may contain microorganisms that might make people sick and affect a person's ability to see underwater hazards.
- Wash your hands after water activities (swimming, fishing, boating, etc.), especially before eating, and shower when you are done for the day to wash off water and dirt.
January 8, 2020
Peconic River Recreation Advisory
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services today issued an advisory to residents to take precautions before recreating on the fresh and tidal portions of the Peconic River, which runs east of Raynor Avenue to river mouth, due to the possible residual effects of approximately 4,000 gallons of untreated wastewater entering the river stemming from a pump station failure on Raynor Avenue. Corrective actions were taken immediately, and the situation was resolved. Suffolk County Health officials are working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which has jurisdiction over the permitting, enforcement and management at the Riverhead sewage treatment plant and its collection system.
Contact with waters in this portion of the Peconic River should be avoided for a minimum of 48 hours, four tidal cycles, unless testing indicates that it should be extended. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if after exposure you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea; skin, eye or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
SCDHS has initiated sampling of the river and will lift this advisory once sampling results indicate the water is safe for contact recreation.
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