SCWA North Fork pipeline / Monroe balancing test
Town of Riverhead
Summary
The Suffolk County Water Authority wants to run a 24-inch water main through Riverhead along Route 25 to supply Southold, and claims it's exempt from local zoning. The town held its Monroe balancing test hearing to decide whether the project must comply with Riverhead's site plan, wetland, and special permit rules. Residents overwhelmingly backed the town's fight.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 10
- Last 30 days
- 1
Last discussed Sep 1, 2026.
Impact analysis
No direct cost to taxpayers yet, but the town is spending significant staff and consultant time, and residents face potential traffic and business disruption during 12-18 months of construction.
If built, Southold communities get more drinking water; Riverhead gets little to no direct benefit, which is exactly the board's complaint.
Riverhead residents and businesses along Main Road face construction traffic, road damage, emergency response delays, and risks to the town's own water main.
Mentions & discussions (4)
SCWA advances North Fork pipeline amid Riverhead court fight
The Suffolk County Water Authority has advanced its plan to bring more drinking water to Southold, accepting a final environmental study while its court battle with Riverhead over local oversight continues. The authority announced Friday that its boa...
Town Board - Sep 1, 2026
The Suffolk County Water Authority wants to run a 24-inch water main through Riverhead along Route 25 to supply Southold, and claims it's exempt from local zoning. The town held its Monroe balancing test hearing to decide whether the project must comply with Riverhead's site plan, wetland, and special permit rules. Residents overwhelmingly backed the town's fight.
Town Board Work Session - Aug 13, 2026
The town will hold a Sept. 1 hearing to run the Monroe Balancing Test on Suffolk County Water Authority's proposed North Fork water main extension — a step in evaluating whether the project serves the town's interests.
Town Board - Mar 17, 2026
The town is defending its zoning authority against an SCWA lawsuit over water drawing from the Pine Barrens; Halpin urged residents to press SCWA directly.
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