The Accabonac Protection Committee is concerned about the installation of public water in Springs and the effects it may have on Accabonac Harbor. While we understand the need for public water at Springs School and the recently-approved Community Center, and in locations (such as Gerard Drive) that suffer saltwater intrusion, we believe that the extension of this service to other locations within Springs should be approached with caution.

The availability of public water can lead to a number of negative consequences including the following:

1. Population density in already crowded Springs could increase if new dwellings with public water do not require the spacing that is now mandated between wells and septic systems. Suffolk County Health Department now requires new lots in the Springs to be at least one acre in size to provide sufficient space between private wells and septic systems. With public water, half-acre lots can be created.

2. Chlorinated public water might have a negative impact on the bays, harbors and human health. The input of so much additional water (which will not be removed by sewers) into the already saturated system will probably have a negative impact on Accabonac Harbor.

3. Informed citizens understand that substances they use on their lawns and in their drains can directly affect their own drinking water. With public water, residents may be less cautious in the use of toxic chemicals, and those chemicals would negatively impact the harbor.

The East Hampton Town Comprehensive Plan incorporates the Water Resources Management Plan recommendations that wisely call for an environmental impact study and a public scoping session prior to extending public water mains throughout Springs. We urge all citizens of the town to insist that these recommendations be implemented promptly, prior to the delivery of water to Springs.