Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins was joined at Alfred B. DelBello Muscoot Farm in Katonah on May 1 for an announcement that Westchester residents and business owners who rely on private wells for drinking water can now apply for free PFAS testing through a New York state pilot program.
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 a few counties including Westchester.
PFAS, polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of chemicals sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals.” They do not degrade 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.
Jenkins said, “Every family deserves access to safe, clean drinking water – no matter where they live. 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.”
State Assemblymember Chris Burdick said, “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. Pete Harckham said, “PFAS are among the most persistent and hazardous chemicals in our environment, and addressing their impact at the individual level is prohibitively expensive. That’s why the government has a responsibility to help safeguard residents from these harmful substances through programs like this.”
According to State Sen. Shelley Mayer, “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.”
Those who are eligible 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 to help pay for installation of a water treatment system, or up to $10,000 to connect to a public water supply.
