Discolored Water Seen In Nissequogue River After Underground Spring Struck In Smithtown

SMITHTOWN, NY — Discolored water reported in the Nissequogue River is under investigation by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The agency's spill response unit was called to the river at 9:40 a.m. Monday regarding discolored water entering the Nissequogue River by Paul T. Given Park in Smithtown, the DEC stated.

A contractor inadvertently struck an underground spring while performing a required boring test at Paul T. Given Park on Aug. 2, a Town of Smithtown spokesperson said. The company was performing state-required geotechnical borings that the state DEC needs in order to issue permits for the necessary repairs at the park.

The contractor was conducting work below the surface when they drilled into a pressurized layer of the aquifer, resulting in a geyser of groundwater, a DEC spokesperson said. The DEC states it was reported to the agency that the well was capped, but water is being released into manmade sediment treatment ponds before being discharged into the river.

A bridge was totaled following the August 2024 storm in Smithtown, which caused severe flooding and sediment discharge from Stump Pond toward the Nissequogue River Park. The boring tests are a "critical step" in the permit process before restoration work can begin, according to the town.

"While the strike to the spring was an unfortunate incident, the Town is working closely with the DEC to ensure the situation is addressed safely, effectively, and without delay," the Town of Smithtown stated. "All necessary remediation measures are being coordinated to protect the integrity of our water resources, while keeping the bridge restoration project on track. We remain committed to completing the repairs at Paul T. Given Park as quickly as possible so that this important community space can be fully reopened for public use."