The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has received a commitment of Federal stimulus funds to install 17,000 feet of new water main from East Marion into Orient.  SCWA views the extension as a cost-effective strategy to serve a single subdivision in Orient, whose separate community supply well is currently operated and filtered by SCWA.

Residents Are Concerned Water Could Lead to Overdevelopment
Although SCWA has stated that the proposed extension is for the Browns Hills subdivision, the proposal would allow individual connections all along the three-mile path of the pipeline. The water main would provide a level of infrastructure sufficient to serve significant future development in Orient over time. This issue has raised significant community concern among those who want to protect the rural character of the area.
 
Click here for an article on this issue in The Suffolk Times.

Water Extension Could Open Door to Zone Changes on Undeveloped Land
Group for the East End has expressed concern that several hundred acres of undeveloped land lie along the path of the new water line and could be served by it if necessary. This new opportunity for water service could provide a basis for zone change applications that could intensify development in fragile areas that currently contribute to a rural and agricultural landscape.

Comprehensive Planning Could Protect Community Character
Although public water can provide important benefits to individuals with contaminated water supplies, proper assessment of potential future impacts should be fully explored before significant new infrastructure is installed.  Southold Town's Comprehensive Plan may provide this kind of assessment, but the plan will not be completed before the proposed installation is considered.

Limited Zone Change Moratorium Could Alleviate Risks
Group for the East End believes the largest problem associated with this proposal lies in the possibility of zone change applications on large lots that could use the presence of public water as a basis for intensified development. While many issues affect the outcome of a zone change application the presence of public water is an important factor. A limited moratorium on zone changes would allow the Town sufficient time to complete its Comprehensive Plan and would not impact any application that conforms to present zoning.