A decadelong push to merge Suffolk County’s 27 sewer districts into a single management district takes effect Jan. 1, easing the path for future sewer expansion and speeding up environmental benefits, according to county officials.

The creation of a Countywide Wastewater Management District aims for Suffolk to stabilize rates homeowners pay and implement long-term wastewater infrastructure projects. Expanding sewers to more residential and commercial properties helps reduce nitrogen pollution and protect the sole-source aquifer used for drinking water, environmentalists say.

"That's the holy grail," said Jennifer Juengst, Suffolk's deputy county executive.

The new management district consolidates its existing sewer districts, which serve about 25% of Suffolk residents through 24 treatme

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