Nassau County Homeowners Face Unprecedented Foreclosure Crisis as Aging Water Systems Render Properties Uninhabitable in 2025

Nassau County is experiencing a perfect storm of infrastructure failures that’s driving homeowners into foreclosure at alarming rates. Another big issue is the aging of the county’s infrastructure. This can lead to lower water quality and a higher risk of waterborne diseases. What makes this crisis particularly devastating is that The aquifer under Nassau County is contaminated with nitrates, volatile organic chemicals, 1,4 Dioxane and Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, or PFAS. All these contaminants require costly treatment plants to be filtered out of the water.

The Scale of the Crisis

The numbers paint a grim picture for Nassau County residents. “Clean water projects were cut out of this year’s budget by the Republican majority,” U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said. “It’s unfortunate that clean water projects within my district that would have supported the construction of drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure as well as water quality protection have now been scrapped.” This federal funding shortfall comes at a critical time when NY State has reported groundwater withdrawals for Nassau County to be at least 15% above what the aquifers can sustainably provide. This condition has existed for nearly two decades.

The infrastructure crisis has reached a tipping point. The two (2) wells at this site have been offline since August 2023. Construction is estimated to be completed in November 2025. Meanwhile, Nassau County has the largest concentration of contaminated sites of any county in New York State, with over 154 listed sites. Remediation of these sites is lagging years behind what is acceptable.

When Water Problems Make Homes Uninhabitable

The connection between water infrastructure failure and foreclosure is becoming increasingly clear. This warranty may be breached due to a lack of running water, a compromised electrical system, or significant structural damage that poses immediate risks. Lack of Essential Utilities: The absence of running water, heating during cold seasons, or consistent electricity can render a property unlivable.

Real-world examples are emerging throughout the county. In November 2024, residents of the Marsh Cove and Somerset apartments said they consistently received boil water notices for years. An 88-year-old woman said she had been boiling water since she moved in years ago, using it for drinking, bathing and washing dishes. These chronic water quality issues are forcing residents into untenable living situations while still facing rising costs.

The Financial Burden on Homeowners

The cost of addressing water infrastructure problems often exceeds what many homeowners can afford. Replacing these systems can cost between $22,000 to $25,000. The resulting out of-pocket expense for residents is viewed as a deterrent to moving forward with the upgraded system. Even with government assistance programs, The County’s existing program offers grants for homeowners or small businesses to install state-of-the-art nitrogen reducing septic systems reimbursing 50 percent of the costs and caps the award for each property owner at $10,000.

For many homeowners, these unexpected expenses come at a time when property values may be declining due to water quality concerns. Experts have shared their thoughts on Nassau County’s tap water safety. They say the water can harm your health, like damaging your lungs or raising cancer risk.

Legal Protections and Options for Homeowners

When facing foreclosure due to infrastructure-related issues, Nassau County homeowners need experienced legal representation. A qualified Foreclosure Attorney Nassau County can help navigate the complex intersection of property law, environmental regulations, and foreclosure proceedings.

The Frank Law Firm, located in Old Brookville, has extensive experience helping Nassau County residents facing foreclosure challenges. At Frank Firm P.C., we help business owners navigate foreclosure, bankruptcy recovery, and contract issues. Our attorneys provide tailored legal solutions to protect your business and set you on the path to a fresh start. The firm’s comprehensive approach includes Our law firm offers financial litigation and preparation services to creditors looking to foreclose on a property, whether it be residential or commercial. We provide a comprehensive range of foreclosure services to mortgage lenders, private investors, and financial service institutions. With extensive experience navigating the entire process, we can help with paperwork and filings, litigation, settlements, repayment plans, and closings.

The Broader Environmental Context

Nassau County’s water crisis extends beyond individual properties. Tens of thousands of homes in Nassau County rely on conventional septic tanks or cesspools to dispose of human waste. Even when working as designed, effluent from these systems allows nitrogen, pharmaceuticals, and other chemicals to pass through Long Island’s sandy soils and into bays and harbors. Nitrogen pollution can result in harmful algal blooms, fish kills, and beach closures while groundwater is left contaminated by household chemicals.

The contamination issues are widespread and persistent. Excess levels of PFAS, TCE, PCE, other VOCs, bacteria, and more have caused beaches to shut down, boil water advisories, and the need for residents to use bottled water. Long Island has undergone many water infrastructure upgrades since 2017. Of $5.5 billion in statewide investments (from 2017 through May 2024), $700 million has been invested in Long Island.

Moving Forward: What Homeowners Need to Know

For homeowners facing potential foreclosure due to water infrastructure problems, early action is crucial. Must have no tax liens or active foreclosure actions. Must have a valid certificate of occupancy (CO) or equivalent issued by the pertinent city, town, or village. These requirements highlight the importance of addressing legal issues before they compound.

The current foreclosure landscape in Nassau County shows the urgency of the situation. There are currently 42 foreclosures for sale in Nassau County at a median listing price of $899K. This represents not just individual financial hardships, but a broader crisis affecting property values and community stability throughout the county.

Nassau County’s infrastructure failure foreclosure crisis represents a new category of legal challenge that requires specialized expertise. Homeowners facing these complex issues need attorneys who understand both foreclosure law and environmental regulations. With proper legal guidance, many properties can be saved, and homeowners can find paths forward even in the face of seemingly insurmountable infrastructure challenges.