Revolutionary IA Systems: The Game-Changing Solution to Long Island’s Nitrogen Crisis

Long Island’s pristine waters face an unprecedented threat from nitrogen pollution, but innovative technology is providing hope. Along the North Shore of Nassau County, septic systems contribute more than half of nitrogen deposited in bays. Nitrogen from septic systems on the North Shore has been named the number one cause of harmful algae blooms, fish kills, thick mats of seaweed and the decline of a once-thriving shellfish industry. Fortunately, Innovative and Alternative (IA) wastewater treatment systems are emerging as the most effective solution to protect our region’s water quality.

Understanding the Nitrogen Problem

Nitrogen pollution from cesspools and septic systems has been identified as a leading cause of degraded surface water quality on Long Island, contributing to restrictions on shellfishing, toxic algae blooms, and massive fish kills. Nitrogen is the leading cause of water quality deterioration in Long Island’s estuaries. Excess nitrogen can cause toxic algal blooms that lead to low oxygen conditions, fish kills, and degraded wetlands and marine habitats.

The environmental consequences are severe. Hypoxia results when excess nitrogen fuels the growth of algae blooms. Bacteria that then feed on the algae deplete the water of oxygen. As a result, mobile organisms such as fish, crabs, and lobsters are forced to flee the area in search of healthier waters. Species that cannot move away, such as shellfish or worms, are harmed or die.

How IA Systems Transform Water Protection

IA systems represent a technological breakthrough in wastewater treatment. IA septic systems block this flow of nitrogen-rich liquids by adding a biological processing step. In new IA units, biological-processing bacteria convert harmful nitrogen found in sewage (NO3-) into unreactive N2 gas. IA units significantly reduce the amount of harmful nitrogen entering waterways.

The performance results are remarkable. IA OWTS systems have been shown to remove up to 90% of the nitrogen that leads to these problems. Provisional sampling data shows that both technologies reduce Total Nitrogen (TN) levels far below the 19 mg/L Suffolk County Standard. This is a significant improvement over the 65 mg/L conventional septic system effluent average total nitrogen of 65 mg/L. That is more than an 80% reduction in total nitrogen!

The Science Behind Superior Performance

The approved nitrogen-reducing technologies (also known as Innovative and Alternative Onsite Waste Treatment Systems or IAOWTS, or Clean Water Septic Systems) use filtration and biological processes to ultimately convert the organic nitrogen found in wastewater into harmless nitrogen gas. This is commonly achieved by using separate compartments in the septic tank. The first compartment is typically anoxic, meaning there is no oxygen present in the wastewater. This compartment also contains human waste which is a good source of carbon to feed the “good” bacteria that denitrify or convert nitrate nitrogen to harmless nitrogen gas. The second compartment usually introduces oxygen through filters, blowers, or aerators to convert the ammonium in wastewater to nitrate nitrogen.

Financial Incentives and Support

Recognizing the critical importance of this technology, In 2017, Governor Cuomo announced a $75 million fund to provide homeowners with financial incentives to replace aging septic systems. 67% of these funds have been dedicated for Suffolk County’s Septic Improvement Program (SIP). Through these funds, homeowners can be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 to replace failing septic systems with new, nitrogen-reducing Innovative Advanced (IA) septic systems.

Quality Cesspool: Your Trusted IA System Partner

When it comes to professional IA system Installation, Long Island homeowners need a company with deep local expertise and proven reliability. At Quality Cesspool, we’re not just a service provider—we are part of the Long Island community. Our company has been family-owned and operated for four generations, delivering dependable cesspool and septic system services that homeowners and businesses rely on. Our history is built on trust, and we strive to uphold this legacy with every job.

For almost two decades, Quality Cesspool has been the go-to for dependable cesspool and septic services in Long Island. Our heritage spans four generations, making us a trusted community partner. Quality Cesspool has been a trusted name in Suffolk County for over a decade, dedicated to providing innovative wastewater treatment solutions. Our team of certified professionals is committed to excellence and customer satisfaction. We believe in providing personalized service and tailored solutions, understanding that each client has unique requirements.

Comprehensive Service and Maintenance

IA systems require ongoing attention to maintain their nitrogen-reducing performance. IA OWTS systems require inspection and maintenance at least once per year, though most technologies are maintained every 6 months. The maintenance typically includes cleaning filters, pumps, and floats, measuring oxygen levels, and ensuring the system controls are optimized for nitrogen removal.

Quality Cesspool offers comprehensive services and maintenance packages for all types of I/A OWTS. Our maintenance services include regular inspections, pumping, repairs, and performance evaluations to ensure your system operates at its best. We use only the highest quality parts and the latest tools and technology for maintenance, extending the life of your system and preventing costly breakdowns.

Long-Term Environmental Impact

The benefits of IA systems extend far beyond individual properties. These two state-led programs have reduced millions of pounds of nitrogen pollution from being discharged into Long Island Sound, which has led to increased oxygen concentrations in the Sound in the summer months and, as a result, improved ecological conditions for fish and other organisms.

As a result, nitrogen in sewage easily seeps into the ground, then to groundwater, and ultimately to our bays and harbors where they can lead to excess nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can lead to algae blooms (some of which are toxic to humans) which, when these blooms die off, can deplete the bay of oxygen needed by fish and other marine life. In addition, excess nitrogen can lead to the loss of wetland marshes as their roots become too shallow to withstand storms and other disturbance. Since these wetlands protect Long Island’s shorelines from storms, serve as a natural filter for stormwater, and provide habitat for marine life, their destruction can cause significant negative impacts.

By choosing to install an IA system, Long Island homeowners become environmental stewards, directly contributing to the restoration of our region’s precious water resources. Customer satisfaction drives everything we do at Quality Cesspool. From the moment you call us to the post-service follow-up, we ensure that your experience is seamless and stress-free. Our transparent pricing, prompt responses, and professional demeanor have helped us build a robust client base that values our commitment to quality and integrity.

The time to act is now. With proven technology, financial incentives, and experienced professionals like Quality Cesspool ready to help, protecting Long Island’s water quality has never been more achievable. Contact Quality Cesspool today to learn how an IA system can benefit both your property and our shared environment.