DUTCHESS COUNTY – County residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water can now apply for free testing of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), as part of a new pilot program announced by the New York State Department of Health this week.
The Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program offers no-cost water testing for eligible residents. Those whose test results show PFAS contamination at or above the state’s public drinking water standard—10 parts per trillion for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) or perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)—may qualify for rebates to help pay for water treatment systems or to connect to a public water supply.
“We encourage all Dutchess County residents who rely on private well water to take advantage of this opportunity,” County Executive Sue Serino said in a statement. “Testing your well is a critical step in protecting your family from the potential risks posed by ‘forever chemicals.’”
The program, funded with $1.5 million from the state, provides up to $5,000 for the installation of a PFAS water treatment system, or up to $10,000 for connecting a home to a public water supply. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out, officials said.
Property owners and renters who use private wells may be eligible. Additional information and eligibility requirements are available on the state Department of Health website. People who receive water from a public system are not eligible, as those systems are already required to monitor and address PFAS and other contaminants.
The pilot program is a partnership between the state Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Environmental Facilities Corporation.
Public health officials recommend private well owners test for bacteria annually and for other contaminants every three to five years.
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