Please see the important information below regarding water testing on Shelter Island.

Below are messages and guides from the Shelter Island Water Action Committee.

Additional information about efforts on the peninsula from the Menantic Creek Keepers.

Why Water is an Important Issue in the Menantic Peninsula

The Menantic Peninsula lies on the edge of Shelter Island in the Near-Shore Zone.

This means that the section of the aquifer from which we draw water into our wells is thin, anywhere from 0-15 ft. deep.
Being so near to the shore, our aquifer is vulnerable to tidal changes, rising sea levels, and storm surges.
All the fresh water in the aquifer enters from precipitation that occurs mostly during the winter and spring.
At the edge of the aquifer, there is an interface of salt and fresh water. Saltwater tries to push in, and fresh water tries to push out.
Our wells are subject to salt-water intrusion when we draw excessive fresh water from the aquifer and salt intrudes into the aquifer.
Although we have separate wells, we all are drawing fresh water from the same aquifer. If a neighbor draws a lot of water, it will affect your well.
A few wells in the Menantic and other outlying areas have already become salted.
Water conservation measures help because they help the aquifer maintain pressure which resists the intrusion of saltwater.
It is essential that we all try to conserve water in order to preserve water for all of us.

Six Things you can do to conserve and safeguard our water supply

Take short showers and encourage your guests to do so. Aim for 5-10 minutes and put a timer in the bathroom.
Do not let water run while washing dishes and brushing your teeth. Learn to stop and start while washing and rinsing.
Water your flowers and shrubs by hand rather than with a sprinkler. Irrigate early or late in the day. Let your lawn go brown in summer. It will green up in the fall.
Limit the use of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers. They ultimately leach into our aquifer.
Use water-saving toilets, faucets, shower-heads, washing machines and dishwashers.
Aerate your lawn to increase absorption of water and prevent run-off. Consider permeable or semi-permeable driveways and other ‘hard’ surfaces.