Nassau County Leads the Charge in Hurricane-Proofing Critical Sewer and Water Infrastructure for Future Storm Seasons
In the wake of Hurricane Sandy’s devastating impact on Long Island’s infrastructure in 2012, Nassau County has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its sewer and water systems into resilient networks capable of withstanding future extreme weather events. The county’s infrastructure vulnerability was starkly highlighted when Superstorm Sandy caused substantial damage to wastewater facilities, leading to a significant influx of federal and state funding to upgrade and fortify the system.
The Foundation of Nassau County’s Infrastructure Resilience Plan
Nassau County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan serves as the heart of the county’s vision for mitigating risk and reaching resilience, with an implementation strategy designed to be carried out over the next five years. The plan evaluates risks of natural hazards anticipated to impact the county’s infrastructure, including coastal hazards, flooding, hurricanes and tropical storms.
The county’s primary goal focuses on protecting existing property including public, historic, private structures, state-owned/operated buildings, and critical facilities and infrastructure. This comprehensive approach ensures that both residential and commercial properties receive adequate protection from future hurricane seasons.
Major Infrastructure Investments and Upgrades
One of the most significant components of Nassau County’s resilience plan is the Bay Park Conveyance Project. The county legislature unanimously passed a $408 million bond resolution to fund construction of a system to divert treated wastewater from the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant, connecting it with an outfall pipe at the Cedar Creek Water Pollution Control plant.
Post-Sandy, extensive upgrades have been undertaken at all three major wastewater treatment plants, including installing advanced mechanical systems, enhancing backup power supplies, and implementing more resilient infrastructure to withstand future extreme weather events. These improvements directly benefit residents who depend on reliable sewer and water services.
The Nassau County Sewer and Stormwater Authority has also invested in stormwater detention and retention basins, green roofs, rain gardens, and permeable pavements, which not only alleviate the burden on the sewer system but also reduce urban runoff.
Community-Wide Resilience Initiatives
As of May 2019, there are 68 New York Rising projects in various stages of implementation across Nassau County, including improvements in drainage infrastructure aimed at mitigating the impact of flooding, reconstruction of bridges, and additional solar power backup to streetlights.
According to the National Institute of Building Sciences, every dollar invested in resiliency and hazard mitigation yields $6 in future savings, and every dollar spent on improving building codes to better withstand natural disasters saves society $4. This economic benefit makes infrastructure resilience investments particularly valuable for Nassau County residents and businesses.
The Role of Professional Sewer and Water Main Services
While large-scale county initiatives provide the backbone of resilience planning, individual property owners also play a crucial role in maintaining robust sewer and water systems. When residents need reliable sewer line repairs, water main replacements, or emergency services, working with experienced professionals becomes essential to ensure their property’s infrastructure aligns with county-wide resilience goals.
Companies like Long Island Sewer & Water Main Nassau County, NY have been serving the community for nearly 40 years, providing critical infrastructure services that complement Nassau County’s broader resilience initiatives. As one of the only providers of trenchless sewer and water line services across both Nassau County and Suffolk County, they use trenchless technologies to provide more efficient, convenient, and cost-effective sewer line services.
Preparing for Future Hurricane Seasons
Nassau County’s Office of Emergency Management stands ready to assist residents in preparing for hurricane season, which officially runs from June through November, urging residents to prepare now and build resilience to help communities become StormReady®.
Government officials emphasize the need for real plans that make homes and infrastructure resilient enough to withstand storms, providing counties and local municipalities access to information and resources needed to improve resiliency and combat climate change.
Recent investments continue to strengthen the county’s infrastructure, with the Nassau County Legislature approving nearly $15 million for sewer system upgrades, including comprehensive rehabilitation of multiple pump stations.
Looking Ahead: Long-term Resilience Strategy
New York State has dedicated $1.1 billion of the $4 billion bond act to projects that move structures and infrastructure out of high flood risk zones and protect infrastructure from floods, with $129.7 million in restoration and flood risk reduction projects already awarded through August 2025.
Forecasting future population growth and climate change impacts remains critical for long-term planning, with continued investment in technology, infrastructure resilience, and community engagement being imperative.
Nassau County’s comprehensive approach to infrastructure resilience demonstrates a proactive commitment to protecting residents and businesses from future hurricane seasons. By combining large-scale public investments with reliable private sector partnerships for individual property needs, the county is building a robust network of sewer and water systems designed to weather the storms ahead. For residents looking to ensure their property’s infrastructure aligns with these county-wide resilience goals, working with experienced local professionals remains an essential component of comprehensive storm preparedness.