New York State has launched a pilot program for local residents to test private wells for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more commonly known as PFAS, and potentially get funding if PFAS levels are above New York State public drinking water standards.
Six New York counties are included in this project: Dutchess, Putnam, Orange, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester counties.
Dutchess and Putnam County residents can already apply, and residents from Orange, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester counties will be able to apply in the coming months as contracts are finalized by the state with those counties.
This program announced on March 9 by Governor Kathy Hochul, called The New York State Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program, is the state’s effort to address PFAS in private wells.
The PFAS test results will determine whether perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels are at or above the New York State public drinking water standards. Currently, those standards are 10 parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter.
If mitigation is necessary, participants can apply for a rebate, which includes up to $5,000 for a PFAS water treatment system, or up to $10,000 to connect to a public water supply.
“My administration is committed to protecting the health of New Yorkers by tackling emerging contaminants in drinking water,” Governor Hochul said in a statement.
“As we continue to learn more about the adverse health effects of PFAS, New York State is taking unprecedented steps to protect our communities. We’re working with counties to address PFAS and provide peace of mind for private well users including those in small and disadvantaged communities.”
What are PFAS?
According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, PFAS are human-made chemicals, first created in the 1940s, and do not break down easily in the environment.
PFAS are commonly found in household items like non-stick pans and stain repellent, but low levels of these chemicals can be found nearly everywhere, such as in water, fish, animals and people.
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said in a statement private well users have “long lacked” protections that residents using municipal water have, due to required testing, and PFAS may pose significant health risks, such as cancer.
Other potential risks, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, include higher cholesterol, thyroid disease, liver damage, high blood pressure during pregnancy, reduced fertility, small decreases in infant birth weight and decreased immune system response to vaccines.
“This initiative recognizes that PFAS are widespread across New York — in soil, in surface water and in drinking water — and empowers residents to take informed, corrective action,” Acquario continued. “It represents an important, forward‑looking step to protect public health and safeguard our groundwater for future generations.”
To learn what New York is doing to address PFAS in the environment, visit https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/per-and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas.
Who is eligible, not eligible for the program?
Those who are eligible for this program must get their water from a private well and own or rent property with a private well within Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Suffolk, Ulster or Westchester counties.
Additionally, those who own a business with a transient, non-community water system, such as rest stops, parks, convenience stores and restaurants with their own water supplies, are also eligible.
However, only property owners can apply for a rebate for PFAS water treatment. Individuals who have applied will get a letter from the program stating whether they are eligible. Thus, the Department of Health suggests waiting for results prior to starting a water treatment project.
Residents who get their drinking water from town supply are not eligible, as the New York State Department of Health, alongside local health departments, have a separate public drinking water supply compliance program which requires local water systems to monitor and address contaminants, including PFAS.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino encouraged all Dutchess County residents who rely on private well water to “take advantage of this opportunity,” she said in a statement, and get your water tested “at no cost” through this program.
“Testing your well is a critical step in protecting your family from the potential risks posed by ‘forever chemicals,’ and state rebates are available to help cover treatment costs if needed,” Serino concluded.
Further information on eligibility may be found at https://health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/privatewellspilot/.
How much funding has been given to counties for this program?
The Department of Health, in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Facilities Corporation, has budgeted $1.5 million per county.
For six counties, the total budget for this pilot project is $9 million.
Why were these six counties chosen?
Funding will support a limited number of participants from Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester counties due to these counties having larger numbers of private wells, as well as a higher likelihood of PFAS contamination.
How to apply for the pilot program
Dutchess and Putnam County residents can already apply for the program, if eligible, through the Department of Health’s website: https://health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/privatewellspilot/.
Once the pilot is officially launches in the four remaining counties, then private well owners from there can apply.
Property owners who get their water from a private well will need Property Tax ID, including section, block and lot, from their property tax bill to apply. Renters will need Property Tax ID and signed and notarized Property Owner Acknowledgment form to apply. Businesses with a transient, non-community water system will need Property Tax ID and your Public Water System ID.
If the initial application is approved, a private well testing contractor will contact the property owner to schedule PFAS water testing. Test results and confirmation on whether residents are eligible to apply for PFAS water treatment funding will come within two to six weeks following the test.
The application will remain open while funding is available, and completed applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
Taking precautions for other contaminants
Even though this pilot program focuses on PFAS, the Department of Health recommends private well owners to regularly test wells for bacteria at least once a year, and other contaminants every three to five years, to ensure water is acceptable for household use.
The program is centered on PFAS specifically, as these are more costly to test and address compared to other water contaminants.
For more information on private well testing and maintenance visit health.ny.gov/Privatewells.
Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said in a statement this program provides “real financial relief” for people to have safe, reliable drinking water and limits the financial burden.
“Protecting your family’s health shouldn’t come with an overwhelming price tag,” Coleman said.
Nickie Hayes is Breaking & Trending News Reporter for the Poughkeepsie Journal. See her most recent articles here. Contact reporter Nickie Hayes: NHayes@poughkee.gannett.com, 845-863-3518 and @nickieehayess on Instagram.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: NY offering free private well PFAS test to mid-Hudson Valley residents
Reporting by Nickie Hayes, Poughkeepsie Journal / Poughkeepsie Journal
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