Record or near-record-high ground water levels are occurring
across many parts of Long Island,
N.Y., as a result of frequent and
intense precipitation during the past several months. Record-high ground water
will continue for weeks to come, according to the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS).
The high water-table has caused widespread flooding of
basements in parts of southwestern Nassau
County and in central Suffolk County. Water-level records from wells
in these areas show long-term upward trends that have reached record or
near-record highs. More sporadic flooding has been reported in some locations
near-shore and near stream channels throughout Long Island.
“Since October 2005, Long Island
has had more frequent and intense precipitation events, keeping ground water
levels above normal,” says USGS hydrologist Ronald Busciolano. “The record
precipitation, along with long-term water-management practices such as the
installation of stormwater-retention basins and reductions in ground water
withdrawals in western parts of the island, have amplified ground water-flooding
problems in some areas.”
In the coming weeks, the USGS will conduct an Island-wide
assessment of current ground water conditions to better quantify the high
water-table and produce an updated depth-to-water map. More than 600 wells
across Long Island will be measured. This
monitoring program is supported by funding from numerous federal, state and
local agencies, including the Nassau County Department of Public Works, New
York City Department of Environmental Protection, Suffolk County Department of
Health Services, and Suffolk County Water Authority.