The next Riverhead Town water forum will take place on June 22 at 6 p.m. at Town Hall and will cover updates on projects surrounding drinking water-related issues in the town, including updates on the agreement to bring public water to homes in Manorville.
Water forums are hosted by the town quarterly to enable a dialogue between town officials and residents with issues involving clean water. Staff members will provide updates on projects and grants being pursued by the town related to the Riverhead Water District.
Town officials have identified several water district projects as targets for infrastructure grant efforts. Most recently, the town received $3.5 million in federal funding to connect an area with 64 homes in Manorville, where private wells have been contaminated by toxic chemicals.
Councilman Ken Rothwell said he went to homes in Manorville two weekends ago knocking on doors and asking residents whether they were interested in being hooked up to public water. He said all those he spoke to, including commercial property owners, said they were interested in being hooked up.
The town is working with the Suffolk County Water Authority on an intermunicipal agreement to bring public water to homes in Manorville, located in both Riverhead and Brookhaven towns. Rothwell said the town and the water authority are still working on the agreement.
“The water forum was put together to have a continuing open dialogue, we can give an update on all of our grants, give an update to Suffolk County Water Authority [and] how we can work together to achieve getting pipes in the ground,” Rothwell said.
Members of the public are invited to recommend topics for discussion during the meeting. To submit suggestions and comments, email the Riverhead Town Board Coordinator and label your request “Water Forum” on or before June 15. The agenda for the forum will be posted on the town website on or about June 17.
The water forum may also be attended virtually through Zoom.
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