Drinking water, gun violence, Cuomo's role in pandemic

Let’s be smart about our drinking water

Water providers across Long Island have long suspected the danger that saltwater intruding into our fresh water poses to our drinking water supply [“Conserve our precious water,” Editorial, Sept. 6]. The long-awaited study completed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Geological Survey brings much-needed attention to this critical issue.

While our region’s withdrawal rate does increase substantially during the summer months, we must take into account how we are hindering our aquifer’s ability to replenish itself with an overabundance of impervious surfaces and expansions of sewer systems. These two areas of expansion have a significant impact on our aquifer’s ability to recharge and also have adverse effects on streams, wetlands and saltwater intrusion.

Water suppliers do not control development plans or the installation of sewers, but maybe our regulators should have a larger role in the State Environmental Quality Review Act process to identify and communicate potential issues when projects are brought to the planning board. We must be smarter about how we approach the needs of both our economy and environment as they are directly linked.

This complex and integrated issue needs to be further studied. Though Long Island’s pumping ability remains adequate for now, this study brings to light that a more integrated evaluation of our sole source aquifer is needed. Pumpage is only one part of the equation.

— Jason Belle, Dix Hills

The writer is chairman of Long Island Water Conference.

I am amazed at the lack of common sense from some of our elected officials [“Study: LI drinking water source is ‘under stress,’ ” News, Sept. 2]. Our water source is “under stress” — what did they think would happen?

The article says we must stop overpumping and start managing our aquifer. Of course. I know there’s a need for housing, but we shouldn’t want to turn much of our suburban housing into mini-apartments without any apparent regard for infrastructure such as water, garbage or sewage. And never mind the traffic. You can hardly go anywhere on the Island without driving into it.

Then they temporarily discussed building hotels on the North Fork in farm country. You can’t keep building without infrastructure improvements. Forcing localities to build because they have grants just worsens the problem without any solution to the drinking water problem.

The article says creeks and streams are being destroyed. Some lakes and streams near the parkways are clogged with invasive plants and contain debris. Maybe some restoration would ease the water problem.

— Michael Appice, Westbury

This protection order can help save lives

In one week, communities in both Nassau and Suffolk counties experienced domestic gun violence, tearing families apart “5 dead in family murder-suicide,” News, Aug. 27; “Man fatally shoots two,” News, Aug. 30]. My heart goes out to the grieving families.

How can we prevent these tragedies from happening? An extreme risk protection order (ERPO), better known as the red flag law, is one example of a gun safety law that can save lives. It is important that people know how to access this potentially lifesaving measure.

In New York State, ERPOs allow family members, law enforcement and health care providers to petition a court to temporarily remove firearms from people who are showing signs of being at risk of harming themselves or others.

Supporting and strengthening ERPOs is one way to protect our loved ones and our communities from gun violence.

— Jennifer Vogt, East Northport

Recall Cuomo talked us through COVID

I can see it’s a tough call on former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s future [“Cuomo’s political future still cloudy,” Opinion, Sept. 11]. The pandemic, especially before vaccines became available, was a scary, chaotic and uncertain time — do we wear masks or not?

It was frightening. People were dying; hospitals were overwhelmed; and people searched for masks, antibacterial items, toilet paper, and food. Except for essential personnel, people were told to stay home, and if they got COVID-19, they should isolate.

Cuomo provided a vital service during that anxious time. The one thing I could look forward to were his daily televised briefings. He told us about cluster areas of spread.

He coordinated with other governors to secure personal protective equipment and ventilators. Friends and family would call to discuss the latest from Cuomo. We had an anchor. We were not alone.

Updated vaccines now help to guard against this ongoing virus. But I will never forget the light from those daily briefings that, along with lots of prayer and an army of phenomenal medical and emergency personnel, got me and many others through this dark period.

— Susan Scalone, Shoreham