Dutchess County residents eligible for free PFAS testing, Hochul says – Daily Freeman

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. — Dutchess County residents who get their drinking water from private wells can now apply for free per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testing, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced.

In a press release, Hochul’s office said the testing pilot program, also available for Putnam County residents, “is the most recent action taken by New York state to address PFAS in drinking water and communities.”

Eligible participants in the program can have their private wells tested for the substances at no cost, the release said. If test results indicate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) levels at or above the current state public drinking water standards of 10 parts per trillion (or nanograms per liter), participants can apply for a rebate once the water treatment project is complete.

Program participants can receive up to $5,000 for a PFAS water treatment system or up to $10,000 to connect to a public water supply, the release added.

The release said the state will also be accepting applications in Ulster County, as well as in Orange, Suffolk, and Westchester counties, “over the coming months.” The six counties were selected for the program “because they have large numbers of private wells and a higher likelihood of PFAS contamination,” the release said.

“My administration is committed to protecting the health of New Yorkers by tackling emerging contaminants in drinking water,” Hochul said in a statement. “As we continue to learn more about the adverse health effects of PFAS, New York State is taking unprecedented steps to protect our communities. We’re working with counties to address PFAS and provide peace of mind for private well users including those in small and disadvantaged communities.”

In a statement, Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino urged residents to take advantage of the program.

“We encourage all Dutchess County residents who rely on private well water to take advantage of this opportunity to have their water tested at no cost through this important New York State pilot program,” Serino said. “Testing your well is a critical step in protecting your family from the potential risks posed by ‘forever chemicals,’ and state rebates are available to help cover treatment costs if needed.”

For more information or to apply for the program, visit health.ny.gov/PrivateWellPFAS.