Scientists Develop Innovative Septic System to Tackle Long Island's Water Crisis

Stony Brook University researchers create a low-cost prototype that removes up to 10 milligrams more nitrogen than the most advanced systems.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:52am

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A bold, abstract painting in earthy tones featuring sweeping geometric arcs, concentric circles, and precise botanical spirals, conceptually representing the complex scientific forces and natural processes behind an innovative septic system prototype designed to remove nitrogen from wastewater.An innovative septic system prototype developed by Stony Brook University researchers offers a promising solution to Long Island's water crisis by aggressively removing nitrogen from wastewater.Stony Brook Today

Researchers at Stony Brook University have developed a groundbreaking prototype that transforms existing septic tanks into nitrogen-stripping machines, using a wood chip-filled chamber to aggressively remove toxic nitrogen from wastewater before it can pollute Long Island's precious water sources. This innovative solution has the potential to drastically reduce nitrogen levels and protect the region's groundwater, streams, rivers, and bays.

Why it matters

Long Island's water supply is under threat from aging septic systems leaking nitrogen, which causes harmful algae blooms, depletes oxygen levels, and damages marine life and human health. This new prototype offers a cost-effective way to retrofit existing septic tanks and significantly reduce nitrogen pollution, addressing a critical environmental issue for the region.

The details

The Stony Brook prototype converts the septic tank into multiple chambers, with wastewater first undergoing treatment in one chamber before flowing into a wood chip-filled chamber where bacteria remove most of the nitrogen. This clever workaround avoids the need for costly excavation and replacement of the existing tank, unlike conventional low-nitrogen systems. The prototype consistently tests below 10 milligrams of nitrogen per liter, outperforming all existing septic systems and exceeding Suffolk County's standard for low-nitrogen systems.

  • The prototype was developed by researchers at Stony Brook University in 2026.

The players

Stony Brook University

A public research university located in Stony Brook, New York, known for its research in environmental sciences and engineering.

Thomas Varley

The lead researcher on the septic system prototype at Stony Brook University's Center for Clean Water Technology.

Ed Romaine

The Suffolk County Executive, who has expressed openness to discussing the new septic system technology and its potential to address the region's nitrogen pollution issues.

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What they’re saying

“Our septic tanks are like direct pipelines to our water sources. The effects are evident with excess nitrogen, from harmful algae blooms to fish kills and shellfish poisoning.”

— Thomas Varley, Lead Researcher, Stony Brook University

“Just one home can make a significant difference. This technology has the potential to drastically reduce nitrogen pollution and protect our water supply.”

— Thomas Varley, Lead Researcher, Stony Brook University

“My administration is committed to tackling the nitrogen challenge. I welcome the opportunity to explore these new findings and technologies.”

— Ed Romaine, Suffolk County Executive

What’s next

Before the prototype can receive local and state grants to accelerate its implementation, it needs the green light from Suffolk County for grant eligibility. County Executive Ed Romaine has expressed openness to discussing the new technology and its potential to address the region's nitrogen pollution issues.

The takeaway

This innovative septic system prototype offers a promising solution to Long Island's water crisis, with the potential to drastically reduce nitrogen pollution and protect the region's precious water resources. If adopted widely, it could have a transformative impact on the environmental health of the area.