NY lawmakers push to lower drinking water PFAS limits to 4 parts per trillion
Environmental groups and state lawmakers are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would lower New York’s allowable PFAS levels in drinking water from 10 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion.
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A bill aimed at strengthening drinking water protections in New York is now awaiting action from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The measure, which unanimously passed the state Legislature, would reduce the allowable level of PFAS in drinking water to 4 parts per trillion. The current state regulation is 10 parts per trillion.
Advocates say the legislation is necessary because of the health risks associated with PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals."
"PFAS are highly toxic. It causes such things as an increase in cancer rates for kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver damage, thyroid damage, learning disorders in children," says Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
Supporters of the bill are pushing for the governor to sign the legislation before the end of the year.
"The federal government wants to roll back the drinking water standards for us and while they step back, we need New York to step up," says Esposito.
Environmental advocates also point to emerging research on PFAS exposure.
"Our groundwater is riddled with PFAS contamination. We need to have the lowest standards to ensure water suppliers are filtering below 4 PPT standard and we can be as protected as possible," says Esposito.
Residents say PFAS contamination remains a major concern.
"I get it filtered and quite honestly we do get it tested periodically to see what's going on," says Rudy Zadwarny, of Centereach.
"You can't drink the water. Everything seems to be killing us," says Tia Marie of Holbrook. "I don't drink the water here."
If signed into law, the bill would require full compliance by 2029.
A spokesperson for Gov. Hochul sent News 12 the following statement:
“While the Trump administration pushes to weaken protections against harmful water contaminants, under the leadership of Governor Hochul, New York has built a stronger system of accountability and prevention and recently secured a historic $3.75 billion to modernize New York's water and sewer infrastructure to protect public health,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “Every New Yorker should be able to count on clean, safe drinking water and the Administration will continue to take aggressive action to protect the health and safety of New Yorkers. The Governor will review the legislation."
