5 Critical Updates On The Hampton Bays Water District: Grants, Quality, And The $4.7 Million Project

The Hampton Bays Water District (HBWD) is currently undergoing a significant period of modernization and investment, with multiple multi-million dollar infrastructure projects underway and a continued commitment to superior water quality. As of the current date, December 23, 2025, the district is actively implementing its 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan, focusing on both aging infrastructure replacement and advanced treatment technologies to combat emerging contaminants. This proactive approach ensures that the community's drinking water remains safe, reliable, and compliant with the latest state and federal regulations for years to come. The district, which is overseen by the Southampton Town Board acting as its Water Commissioners, has secured substantial state and federal grant funding to finance these critical upgrades, highlighting a strong commitment to public health and long-term sustainability. The latest news includes the release of the 2024 Annual Water Supply Report and the scheduling of essential maintenance activities, which are vital for maintaining the integrity of the entire distribution system.

HBWD Leadership and Governing Structure

The Hampton Bays Water District operates under the direct oversight of the Southampton Town Board, which officially serves as the Water Commissioners. This structure ensures that the district’s policies, budget, and major capital expenditures are integrated into the broader town planning and public accountability framework. The day-to-day operations and management of the extensive water system are handled by a dedicated team of professionals.

Key Personnel and Management

• Superintendent: The district is led by Superintendent James Kappers, who is responsible for overseeing all operations, maintenance, and capital projects.
• Commissioners: The Southampton Town Board functions as the Water Commissioners, setting the rates and approving the major financial and infrastructure decisions for the district.
• Staff: The operational staff manage the pumping stations, distribution mains, wellhead treatment systems, and the crucial water quality testing regimen.

This governing structure is responsible for determining the water rates, managing the annual budget, and, most critically, approving the ambitious 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that has been in place since 2020. The CIP is a roadmap for sustained investment, ensuring that the water supply remains robust for the growing population of Hampton Bays.

The Multi-Million Dollar Infrastructure Overhaul

The Hampton Bays Water District has been highly successful in securing significant grant funding to finance major infrastructure projects, moving beyond routine maintenance to large-scale system enhancements. These projects are crucial for improving water pressure, increasing system redundancy, and enhancing overall fire protection capabilities.

1. Shinnecock Canal Transmission Main Project

One of the most significant recent projects is the installation of new water transmission mains across the Shinnecock Canal. This critical upgrade received a $2.7 million grant through the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act (WIIA). The project involves installing two 12-inch water transmission mains. The primary goal is to create better system connectivity and redundancy between different sections of the water district. This is a vital step toward ensuring that a failure in one area does not compromise the water supply for the entire community.

2. Securing Major State Funding

The district's commitment to large-scale modernization has been recognized by the state. The HBWD announced the receipt of a substantial grant of approximately $4.7 million from the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (NYSEFC). This significant influx of capital is earmarked for various system improvements, including the construction of new wells, the installation of advanced treatment technologies, and the replacement of aging distribution lines throughout the service area.

3. Essential System Maintenance: Fall Flushing

Routine, yet critical, maintenance is a continuous operation. The district recently announced its schedule for the annual Fall Flushing of the water mains. This essential process is scheduled to begin on the evening of October 14, 2025, with anticipated completion by October 31, 2025. Water main flushing is a vital practice that helps to:

• Remove sediment and mineral buildup from the pipes.
• Maintain high water quality and clarity.
• Verify the operational readiness of fire hydrants and valves.

Residents are typically advised that temporary fluctuations in water pressure or slight discoloration may occur during these scheduled maintenance periods.

Proactive Water Quality and The PFAS Challenge

The Hampton Bays Water District remains a leader in water quality, consistently meeting stringent federal and state standards. However, the district is also aggressively addressing the challenge of emerging contaminants, particularly Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals."

Meeting EPA Standards: The 2024 Water Quality Report

The latest data confirms that the Hampton Bays tap water is safe to drink. The 2024 Annual Water Supply Report, which was presented in May 2025, indicates that the water supply continues to meet all Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Level Goals (MCLGs). All tested contaminants are within safe and acceptable levels. The district is committed to transparency, making these detailed drinking water quality reports available to all customers annually.

Targeting Emerging Contaminants (PFAS)

The presence of PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, has been a national concern, and the HBWD has been proactive in its remediation efforts. The district has already taken decisive action by installing advanced treatment systems to remove these compounds from the water supply. Specifically, the Southampton Town Board approved a $1 million expenditure to install carbon filtration systems at various well sites. Furthermore, the district has received a grant specifically for Wellhead Treatment for the Removal of PFAS, underscoring its commitment to completely eliminating these compounds. This forward-thinking approach anticipates future, stricter regulations from the New York State Health Department and the EPA, ensuring the longevity of a clean and safe water source. The proactive nature of the HBWD’s response to PFAS is a major highlight of its current operations. By implementing granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration and other treatment technologies, the district is ensuring that its water supply remains compliant, even as regulatory limits become more stringent.

The Future of Water in Hampton Bays

The current period for the Hampton Bays Water District is defined by aggressive capital investment and a focus on resilience. The convergence of the 10-Year Capital Improvement Plan, significant grant awards, and the proactive installation of advanced treatment systems positions the district for long-term operational excellence. For residents, this means not only a continued supply of high-quality drinking water but also a more reliable system with improved pressure and redundancy. The ongoing projects, including the Shinnecock Canal crossing and the wellhead treatment upgrades, are tangible evidence of the district’s commitment to public health and the future of the Hampton Bays community. The next phase of the CIP will likely focus on further distribution main replacements and the integration of smart water technology to enhance system monitoring and efficiency.

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