SUFFOLK COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 21, 2026
UPDATE
The recreation health advisory issued for tidal portion of Peconic River (east of Grangebel Park) has been lifted as the break in the Riverhead STP conveyance network was repaired and recent analysis of surface water samples collected from the potentially affected area indicates this area is suitable for primary contact recreation.
January 14, 2026
Recreation Advisory Issued for Tidal Portion of the Peconic River
The Suffolk County Department of Health Services today issued an advisory to residents to take precautions before recreating on the tidal portion of the Peconic River (east of Grangebel Park) this week due to the possible residual effects of approximately 10,000 gallons of untreated wastewater being discharged into the river stemming from a pipe break in the Town of Riverhead Sewage Treatment Plant conveyance network.
Corrective actions to mitigate the discharge were immediately implemented and the break in the pipe has since been repaired. Suffolk County Health officials are working closely with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which has jurisdiction over the permitting and enforcement at the facility and with the management at the Riverhead plant.
Contact with waters in this tidal portion of the Peconic River should be avoided. If contact does occur, rinse off with clean water immediately. Seek medical attention if after exposure you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, skin, eye or throat irritation, or allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
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