The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH) announced the opening of the 2025 application period for the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2), a multi-agency initiative providing free technical assistance to municipalities. The program aims to proactively protect public drinking water supplies across the state.
Interim DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar emphasized New York’s commitment to ensuring clean drinking water for generations, stating, “The launch of the 2025 Drinking Water Source Protection Program application period offers municipalities with a public water supply the opportunity to proactively protect their sources of drinking water.”
The DWSP2 program is open to all community public drinking water suppliers, regardless of size or source. Up to 30 volunteer communities will receive assistance at no cost to assess vulnerabilities, prevent contamination, and develop a tailored plan to safeguard their water supplies. These plans will include updated water source maps, methods for addressing contaminant risks, cost analyses, and funding strategies.
Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, highlighted the program’s significance, stating, “Safe drinking water is foundational to good health. We encourage municipalities to take advantage of this free technical assistance and apply for the 2025 Drinking Water Source Protection Program today.”
Participants will also receive guidance to align priorities and bridge gaps in their existing water protection efforts. In addition to protecting drinking water sources, the program enhances public health, economic viability, environmental protection, and recreational opportunities.
A webinar is scheduled for February 4 at 11 a.m. to provide more details on the program. Applications are due by February 28 at 4 p.m. Municipalities can apply or learn more on DEC’s website.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration has further reinforced water quality initiatives by pledging an additional $500 million to infrastructure projects in 2025, bringing New York’s investment to $6 billion. This funding supports efforts to reduce water bills, mitigate flooding, and replace lead service lines, particularly in underserved communities.
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