ALBANY, NY (WENY)--NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS ON CERTAIN TOXIC CHEMICALS IN WATER KNOWN AS PFAS WILL REQUIRE WATER UTILITIES NATIONWIDE TO TEST FOR SIX TYPES OF PFAS CHEMICALS.  

THE UNITED STATE’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY OR EPA’S REGULATIONS WILL ALSO REQUIRE UTILITIES TO CLEAN UP THEIR DRINKING WATER IF HARMFUL LEVELS ARE DETECTED.  

SOME ADVOCATES SAid THIS IS A HISTORIC STEP TOWARDS PROTECTING DRINKING WATER.  

“This will spur a lot more testing and treatment all across the state of New York and the result will be cleaner water and healthier families for millions and millions of New Yorkers,” said Rob Hayes, director of clean water for Environmental Advocates NY.

HAYES HIGHLIGHTS THE NEW REGULATIONS IS A BIG REASON TO RESTORE BUDGET CUTS TO A PROGRAM IN THE BUDGET CALLED THE CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE ACT—WHICH HELPS FUND CLEAN WATER PROJECTS.  

THIS YEAR THE GOVERNOR PROPOSES $500 MILLION FOR CLEAN WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING OVER TWO YEARS—A 50 PERCENT CUT OF WHAT FUNDING FOR THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN IN PREVIOUS YEARS.  

“Communities all across the state are going to need help affording to install new treatment technology or affording to find a new water source to make sure that their customers aren’t exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals,” said Hayes. 

SOME LAWMAKERS SAid THEY ARE CONTINUING TO PUSH FOR RESTORED CLEAN WATER FUNDING IN THE FINAL BUDGET PLAN.  

“Now is the time to invest in our clean water systems because we know there’s going to be added cost,” said Senator Pete Harckham (D-40th Senate District).