State offers free well tests for PFAS

By JEFF MORRIS 

Local officials are alerting people who draw drinking water from private wells about a new offering of free PFAS testing.

“The majority of residents in Lewisboro draw water from their own private wells,” Lewisboro Supervisor Tony Gonçalves said. “If you would like free PFAS testing, there is a new New York state pilot program which might help.”

Pound Ridge Supervisor Kevin Hansan and Bedford Supervisor Ellen Calves also promoted the program at their respective Town Board meetings this week.

“Eligible homeowners, renters, businesses can receive free testing,” Hansan said Tuesday night. “They may also qualify for financial help to install treatment systems or to connect to public water supplies.”

WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS

The program was announced May 1 by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. He said homeowners who rely on private wells for drinking water, as well as business owners, can now apply for free PFAS testing through a New York state pilot program designed to protect public health and improve water quality. 

The Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program provides eligible homeowners, renters and businesses with access to free PFAS water testing and financial assistance for treatment, or connection to a public water system. The program is currently available in six counties across New York state, including Westchester.

PFAS are a group of chemicals, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” that persist in the environment and have been linked to adverse health effects. While public water systems are regularly tested and regulated, private wells are not, making PFAS programs critical for protecting residents who use private wells for drinking water.

Eligible residents can receive free testing of their private well for PFAS. If contamination is detected at or above New York state drinking water standards, participants may also qualify for rebates up to $5,000 for water treatment systems, or up to $10,000 to connect to a public water supply, where such a supply is available. 

“Every family deserves access to safe, clean drinking water — no matter where they live,” said Jenkins. “Protecting the health and well-being of our residents is one of our highest priorities, and this program is giving families the tools they need to better understand the quality of their drinking water. By expanding access to testing and mitigation resources, we are taking an important step forward in identifying and addressing PFAS contamination in private wells. I strongly encourage eligible Westchester County residents to take advantage of this opportunity.”

“PFAS are among the most persistent and hazardous chemicals in our environment, and addressing their impact at the individual level is prohibitively expensive,” said state Sen. Pete Harckham (D, SD-40), who represents Bedford, Lewisboro and Mount Kisco. “That’s why the government has a responsibility to help safeguard residents from these harmful substances through programs like this.” 

“I commend the testing and mitigation programs being announced for Westchester residents and look forward to seeing these important safeguards advanced statewide,” Harckham added.

Harckham said he had worked on the legislation that enabled the program alongside Assemblymember Chris Burdick (D, AD-93), who represents the same municipalities along with Pound Ridge. Burdick said, “New York state and Westchester County recognize the importance of having the highest standards for our drinking water. I have been pushing for homeowners with private wells to have access to funds for testing, as well as to help mitigate drinking water contaminated with PFAS. I am hopeful that this pilot program will not only be successful but will lead to further funding opportunities.” 

State Sen. Shelley Mayer (D, SD-37), whose district includes Pound Ridge, said she was pleased that Westchester County is taking advantage of this New York state program.

“Access to safe, clean drinking water is fundamental to the health and well-being of our communities and by expanding testing and treatment, we are ensuring families can limit the impact of PFAS on their water supply,” she said. “I join my county colleagues in strongly encouraging everyone potentially impacted by PFAS in private wells to take advantage of this program.” 

Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce, who represents all of the same municipalities at the county level, also weighed in. 

“We know that some of our drinking water is being impacted by forever chemicals, especially in areas with septic systems,” said Pierce. “And in districts like mine, septic and well water come hand-in-hand. This program will make it much easier for residents to test their well water, and to arrange the needed filtration if required, making our water cleaner and our communities safer.”

Residents can find more information on both PFAS and Private Wells, and the Private Well PFAS Testing Pilot Program, at the New York State Department of Health website at health.ny.gov. Additional information on PFAS is available at the Westchester County Department of Health website.

To apply for the PFAS program, visit health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/privatewellspilot/.