CARMEL – Putnam County property owners will soon be able to be reimbursed for testing their wells and installing filters if they exceed limits for a number of chemicals linked to cancer and other health issue thanks to a state pilot program addressing wells contaminated with polyfluoroalkyl substances also known as PFAS.
PFAS, also called ‘forever chemicals’, have been used for years on non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing and other consumer products, as well as firefighting foams.
The chemicals have been linked to various health problems, including cancer, low birth weights and high cholesterol.
Health concerns have led officials to supply filters to well owners in Mahopac, Kent and Putnam Valley.
Putnam County Health Director Rian Rodriguez said the county’s six towns were selected by the state since they are at “higher risk of PFAS contamination. The state’s goal is to reduce exposure to PFAS from private wells in communities more likely to be impacted, and assess the feasibility for a more comprehensive, statewide program.”
Putnam has received a $1.5 million allocation from Albany for the testing. Property owners can begin to apply for the grants around June 1.
Rodriguez added if testing confirms levels exceeding a state guideline of 10 parts per trillion for PFAS, homeowners and businesses can be reimbursed up to $5,000 for installing point of entry filtration systems on their water lines.
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