After nearly a decade of battling toxic water contamination, the village of Hoosick Falls has a new permanent water source. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the completion of a 1.25-mile transmission line connecting a clean groundwater source to the village’s treatment plant. The project marks a major step in the community’s long recovery from PFOA pollution.
The new system, overseen by state environmental and health agencies, delivers safe drinking water to more than 4,500 residents. Officials say the water meets all health and safety standards.
Funded by polluters, built under state supervision
The contamination came from chemicals used at the Saint-Gobain McCaffrey Street facility. That site is now part of New York’s Superfund cleanup program. Under a $45 million settlement, Honeywell and Saint-Gobain paid for the water project and reimbursed the state for earlier cleanup efforts.
Roughly $5.5 million of that agreement went toward building the new pipeline. The line runs about 6,800 feet from a new wellfield to the village’s water treatment plant. The source lies outside the contaminated aquifer.
Community input shaped the plan
State engineers worked closely with local leaders and residents to select the site. They also made sure the new source would work with existing treatment systems.
RELATED: Carcinogenic Chemicals That Plague Hoosick Falls are Rampant at Seneca Army Depot
Mayor Rob Allen called the project a “significant milestone.” He thanked state officials, community members, and local leaders for their persistence.
Work continues on broader cleanup
DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said the new water supply opens “a new chapter” for the village. But she emphasized that cleanup efforts are not over. The state still requires Honeywell and Saint-Gobain to investigate and contain other pollution sources.
In addition to the village system, the state installed and maintains home treatment systems in nearby areas. These protect residents outside the village limits from PFOA exposure.
Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald confirmed the new water is permanent, safe, and reliable. He pledged continued monitoring to protect public health.
More investments on the way
Governor Hochul’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes $1.25 billion over 10 years for environmental cleanups. It also adds $500 million for drinking water and wastewater projects. Since 2017, the state has invested $6 billion in water quality infrastructure.
Last year alone, more than $800 million helped upgrade systems across the state. Officials say these projects improve drinking water and protect communities from flooding.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].