The North Fork’s long farming history has left a legacy of pesticide contamination, and the shift from potatoes to grapes has raised new concerns about drinking water quality. This forum will explore the Long Island aquifer, how regulators are protecting our drinking water, and the emerging challenges the North Fork community faces in ensuring our long-term safety.

Jack Caravanos, an environmental hazards scientist, is best known for global work in reducing lead poisoning in low- and middle-income countries. He led the environmental health program at CUNY’s School of Public Health and NYU’s School of Global Public Health. Jack is a practicing field-based environmental and occupational health scientist who has travelled to over 25 low- and middle-income countries. He recently retired and lives full-time in East Marion.