The Town of Smithtown has been officially recognized as one of only two municipalities on Long Island to achieve Bronze Status in the New York State Nitrogen Smart Communities Program — an emerging distinction that highlights local governments committed to combating nitrogen pollution and protecting water quality.
Developed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Long Island Regional Planning Council (LIRPC), this voluntary program honors communities that take concrete, science-driven steps to safeguard the region’s estuaries, salt marshes, and groundwater.
Nitrogen pollution remains the single greatest threat to Long Island’s water resources. Excess nitrogen — primarily from outdated wastewater systems, stormwater runoff, and fertilizers — fuels harmful algal blooms, depletes oxygen levels in bays and harbors, triggers fish kills, degrades vital salt marshes, and infiltrates the aquifer that supplies 100% of Long Island’s drinking water. As coastal communities continue to face the impacts of climate change, harmful blooms, and storm inundation, the Town of Smithtown has chosen to lead with proactive, measurable action.
Under that pledge, Smithtown formed a dedicated Nitrogen Smart Communities Task Force — a team of environmental staff, department leaders, and local stakeholders charged with identifying local nitrogen sources, recommending best practices, and advancing initiatives that reduce pollution at the community level.
“Our commitment is not symbolic — it’s strategic. Being recognized as one of only two municipalities awarded Nitrogen Smart status by the Long Island Regional Planning Council and the New York State DEC is a tremendous honor for the Town of Smithtown,” said Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim. “This achievement reflects our community’s unwavering dedication to protecting Long Island’s drinking water, coastal ecosystems, and the natural resources that define our quality of life.”
Smithtown’s newly released 2025 Nitrogen Smart Communities Education and Outreach Plan lays out a comprehensive blueprint to increase public awareness and empower residents to be part of the solution. The plan centers on four major goals:
- Educating the public about how nitrogen pollution harms surface waters, drinking water, and coastal ecosystems within Smithtown and across Long Island.
- Communicating the Town Board’s commitment to identify and reduce the community’s specific nitrogen sources through the Nitrogen Smart Communities Program.
- Utilizing technical, regulatory, and policy tools to help residents understand opportunities to participate in nitrogen-reduction actions.
- Building partnerships with local organizations, environmental groups, schools, civic associations, and industry stakeholders who share the mission of protecting water quality.
To achieve these goals, the Town will roll out a series of initiatives designed to reach residents, businesses, and community partners where they are:
- A Dedicated Nitrogen Smart Community Webpage & Social Media Campaign
Featuring educational content, program updates, links to LIRPC and LINAP resources, and actionable guidance for homeowners, boaters, landscapers, and businesses. - Public Workshops & Engagement Events
Offering hands-on learning and practical strategies to reduce nitrogen pollution—from septic system upgrades to fertilizer reduction and stormwater best practices. - Targeted Stakeholder Outreach
Ensuring that civic groups, homeowner associations, marinas, schools, and environmental partners are informed, engaged, and equipped to take part in this community-wide effort.
Protecting Smithtown’s Future—Together
Smithtown’s Bronze designation signals the town’s commitment to long-term stewardship of its coastal resources and sole-source aquifer. It marks the beginning of a multi-year journey toward smarter nitrogen management, cleaner waterways, and a more resilient environment for generations to come.