New York is looking to bolster limits on what are often called “forever chemicals” in drinking water, after the state’s Drinking Water Quality Council rejected a measure to codify current federal limits on the industrial chemicals known as “PFAS” into state law.
The state has its own limits but legislation would legalize more stringent federal PFAS regulations now at risk of being rolled back.
Rob Hayes, senior director of clean water for Environmental Advocates of New York, said finding the chemicals at any level in drinking water is concerning.
“We know at least 1.3 million New Yorkers are exposed to PFOA or PFOS between 4 and 10 parts per trillion across the state,” Hayes reported. “These New Yorkers potentially face years of additional unnecessary exposure to these chemicals if the Trump Administration succeeds with their rollback.”
PFOS and PFOA are certain types of PFAS chemicals. A bill making the current federal limits New York State’s limits will be considered by the State Legislature when it reconvenes this week. It passed the full State Senate with bipartisan support but did not make it out of the Assembly’s Health Committee.
States like Maine have enacted similar legislation but Hayes argued more can be done at a local level. Reports show more than 3,400 New York waterways contain forever chemicals. Around 189 of all state water systems have PFAS levels above the federal standard but less than New York’s standard.
Hayes acknowledged some municipalities are being proactive in reducing PFAS in drinking water.
“Some communities already are taking these steps,” Hayes pointed out. “The Suffolk County Water Authority on Long Island actually announced they installed treatment technology that allowed them to already meet the current federal limits on PFAS.”
The Suffolk County Water Authority received $7 million in grants for five Granular Activated Carbon treatment projects to remove PFAS from drinking water. Hayes noted while some cities are eager to take similar action, high up-front costs can be a barrier. State aid could help ensure they are able to do so.
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.