Characterization of Stream Water Quality and Groundwater Levels in the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York, 2017–23
Scientific Investigations Report
2025-5010
Prepared in cooperation with the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission and the Town of Brookhaven
Links
- Document: Report (5.02 MB pdf) , HTML , XML
- Data Releases:
- USGS data release - 2018 Hydrologic data summary for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York (ver. 2.0, February 2024)
- USGS data release - 2019 Hydrologic data summary for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York (ver. 2.0, February 2024)
- USGS data release - 2020 Hydrologic data summary for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York (ver. 2.0, February 2024)
- USGS data release - 2021 Hydrologic data summary for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York
- USGS data release - 2022 Hydrologic data summary for the Central Pine Barrens Region, Suffolk County, New York
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
The area locally known as the “Central Pine Barrens” region, located in Suffolk County, New York, contains most of Long Island’s preserved and undeveloped land. This region overlays an aquifer system that provides potable groundwater for residents of Suffolk County. Between 2017 and 2023, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission and the Town of Brookhaven, monitored groundwater levels and stream water quality in this region. Groundwater levels were measured monthly at five wells and continuously (15-minute intervals) at a sixth well. Water quality was monitored at five locations in the Carmans River and at two locations in the Peconic River, and samples were analyzed for major ions, trace elements, nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. The major ion compositions at the sites were mainly sodium-chloride type waters, and compositions varied the most at the furthest upstream sites in both streams. Concentrations above aquatic-life criteria thresholds also occurred most frequently at the furthest upstream sites. The seasonal patterns of nutrient loads and concentrations varied between the Carmans and Peconic Rivers. Several organic compounds including pharmaceuticals, domestic use products, and pesticides were detected at low concentrations in both streams. Metformin was the most frequently detected pharmaceutical compound, and herbicides were the most frequently detected pesticide class. Water-quality conditions influenced by anthropogenic contributions are a result of current and historical land use, and these contributions include onsite wastewater disposal systems, commercial or domestic fertilizers and pesticides, and urban or industrial contaminants in road runoff. This study characterizes and improves understanding of the current hydrologic conditions in the Central Pine Barrens region and the study findings can help inform the development of plans to manage, protect, and restore water resources.
Suggested Citation
Dondero, A.M., Fisher, I.J., Simonson, A.E., and Bayraktar, B.N., 2025, Characterization of stream water quality and groundwater levels in the Central Pine Barrens region, Suffolk County, New York, 2017–23: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5010, 47 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255010.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methods
- Characterization of Groundwater Levels
- Characterization of Water Quality in the Carmans and Peconic Rivers
- Summary
- Acknowledgments
- References Cited
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Characterization of stream water quality and groundwater levels in the Central Pine Barrens region, Suffolk County, New York, 2017–23 |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2025-5010 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20255010 |
| Publication Date | March 11, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | New York Water Science Center |
| Description | Report: v, 47 p.; 5 Data Releases |
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Suffolk County |
| Other Geospatial | Central Pine Barrens region |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |