Keeping

The promise

of Clean Coastal Waters

in Long Island Sound

Nitrogen pollution threatens our way of life, but we can fix it.

Nitrogen pollution in coastal waters of Long Island Sound is reaching a tipping point. The longer we wait to fix it, the harder and costlier it will be. The Nature Conservancy has developed this website to provide the information, tools and resources coastal communities need to restore and protect clean, healthy waters – now and for future generations.

Nature Can't Wait

And Neither Can We

Our Approach

Cladophora Mat, Eastern CT © J. Vaudrey, UCONN

The Problem and Sources

Nitrogen pollution from wastewater and fertilizers is a growing threat in our waters.

Impacts and Threats

Excess nitrogen in coastal waters puts public health and communities at risk.

Building Inspector and Septic System © iStock Purchased Standard License

Fixing the Problem

We’ve made great progress cleaning up the Sound, but there is more to be done.

Wastewater Technician © Shutterstock, Purchased, Standard License

Comparing Solutions

Scientists and engineers have proven approaches for restoring water quality.

Saugatuck River, Westport, CT © R. Lowenthal, TNC

Planning and Guidance

Identify actions, steps and resources to help safeguard clean and healthy waters.

Citizen Actions

Everyone depends on clean water – we can all do our part to restore and protect it.

News

Why nitrogen management is key for climate change mitigation

UN Environment- October 22, 2019

The environmental interest in nitrogen (N₂), an essential component of the air we breathe, focuses on the conversion of N₂into other chemically reactive forms. Some are vital for life itself and some cause costly and dangerous nitrogen pollution.

Charlotte County has costly mandatory septic system switch

Wink News- October 21, 2019

Hundreds of home owners in Charlotte County have to switch from septic to the county sewer system, and they don’t have a choice. The switch could cost home owners as much as $11,000, but the county says these changes will help prevent another algae and water crisis.

Officials say residents, businesses in Kings Park will reap benefits of $20M sewer project

Newsday- October 14, 2019

Sewer construction in downtown Kings Park is expected to start in 2021 and to finish in October 2023, work that Smithtown and Suffolk County officials said will disrupt life but pay immense dividends for residents and businesspeople when it is finished.