New York is launching a pilot program offering free testing and financial assistance to help homeowners address “forever chemicals” in private well water.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program, which will begin accepting applications March 9 for residents in Dutchess and Putnam counties.
The program allows homeowners who rely on private wells to receive free testing for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS.
If testing finds PFAS levels at or above the state’s drinking water standard of 10 parts per trillion for PFOA or PFOS, homeowners can apply for rebates to install treatment systems or connect to a public water supply.
Eligible participants can receive up to $5,000 to install a PFAS water treatment system or up to $10,000 to connect to a municipal water system.
The pilot program will also expand to Orange, Suffolk, Ulster and Westchester counties in the coming months.
State officials said the six counties were chosen because they have large numbers of private wells and a higher likelihood of PFAS contamination.
The New York State Department of Health is leading the effort in partnership with the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Environmental Facilities Corporation. The state has allocated $1.5 million per county for the pilot program.
Officials say the initiative is part of broader state efforts to address PFAS contamination in drinking water and reduce exposure to the chemicals, which have been linked to health risks.
Since 2017, New York has invested billions of dollars in public water and sewer infrastructure projects, including efforts to address emerging contaminants in water systems.
The Department of Health said homeowners who rely on private wells should also test their water regularly for bacteria each year and for other contaminants every three to five years.
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