A Lifelong Fight to Protect East Hampton’s Water
For more than three decades, Alexander Peters has been a driving force in protecting East Hampton’s most vital natural resource—the Stony Hill aquifer. As the founder of the Amagansett Springs Aquifer Protection (ASAP) organization, Mr. Peters has made it his life’s mission to safeguard this critical water source, which provides clean drinking water to Springs, Amagansett, Northern East Hampton, and Montauk.
“The Stony Hill aquifer is the lifeblood of our community,” Mr. Peters says. “Without it, our way of life—and our future—is at risk.”
Since establishing ASAP in 1987, Mr. Peters has championed public awareness and advocacy through educational campaigns, outreach programs, and articles emphasizing the importance of water preservation. His efforts have focused on holding local government accountable for protecting the aquifer through land conservation and sustainable development practices.
However, the fight is far from over. Mr. Peters is particularly concerned about the East Hampton Town Board’s failure to acquire key parcels of land identified in the Town Comprehensive Plan as vital for aquifer protection. One such property, the 20-acre Mary Stone piece, remains unprotected, putting the aquifer’s natural filtration system at risk.
“The Comprehensive Plan clearly outlines what needs to be done to protect our water,” Mr. Peters asserts. “But the Town Board has dragged its feet, and that inaction threatens everything we’ve worked for.”
Adding to the urgency is a contentious $30 million proposal to build a new senior center near Abraham’s Path, which would require clearing seven acres of forest. Mr. Peters and ASAP argue the project not only violates zoning laws but also endangers local wildlife and contradicts the town’s environmental priorities.
“This is about more than just one project,” Mr. Peters warns. “It’s about setting a dangerous precedent that prioritizes short-term convenience over long-term sustainability.”
Mr. Peters’ work is not confined to policy battles; it also includes inspiring the local community to take an active role in water preservation. He believes public engagement is key to holding decision-makers accountable and ensuring future generations inherit a sustainable environment.
“We can’t do this alone,” Mr. Peters emphasizes. “Everyone in East Hampton has a stake in this fight. We need to speak up, demand accountability, and remind the Town Board of their responsibility to protect our water and our heritage.”