$200 ​Million to ​Address ​Emerging ​Drinking Water ​Contaminants in ​New York

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$200 ​Million to ​Address ​Emerging ​Drinking Water ​Contaminants in ​New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced $200 million in grant funding to help communities address federally unregulated contaminants in their drinking water supplies, a national issue that is still lacking federal guidance.

The funding will provide advanced support and assistance for communities to combat emerging contaminants, as the State prepares to take the important step of setting enforceable drinking water standards for the emerging contaminants PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-dioxane.

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Of the grant funding, $185 million will be available to communities across the state to upgrade drinking water treatment systems to combat emerging contaminants, prioritizing PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-dioxane. The remaining $15 million has been awarded to communities already pursuing system upgrades and innovative pilot technologies to treat emerging contaminants. Additionally, the Governor directed the Department of Health, Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Environmental Facilities Corporation to provide technical assistance to communities to help assess system needs and apply for grant funding.

"Safe drinking water is critical for public health and economic prosperity and communities should not be left to fend for themselves when it comes to removing dangerous contaminants," Governor Cuomo said. "While the federal government fails to set national standards and guidelines for safe drinking water, New York is prepared to take action in the absence of federal leadership. This funding will ensure communities have the technology and support they need to provide their residents with quality drinking water, creating a safer, healthier New York for all."

"It's critical that we ensure our drinking water is free of contaminants and safe for all New Yorkers," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This investment to tackle the serious issue of contaminants will address immediate needs to enhance and protect water quality. We want to make sure that communities have the resources they need to make upgrades to their water treatment systems and ensure the health and safety of residents."

$185 Million Available

With today's announcement,$185 million in grant funding will be available to communities across the state seeking to upgrade their drinking water treatment systems to address the emerging contaminants PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-dioxane. Municipalities will have access to grants to fund up to 60 percent of a project's costs up to $3 million, or 40 percent of a project's costs up to $10 million. Eligible projects may include carbon systems to remove PFOA/PFOS from drinking water and Advanced Oxidative Process technologies to remove 1,4-dioxane. Additionally, for the first time, eligible public water systems may apply for grants to help fund the planning and development of an engineering report for an infrastructure project that will combat emerging contaminants. Grants may be up to $50,000 depending upon system size and population served. This funding is made possible by Governor Cuomo's historic $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act.

In addition to grant programs, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation administers the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which offers zero or low-interest financing to communities to further reduce the cost of water infrastructure projects. For more information, please visit the DWSRF page on the EFC website.

Grant applications and additional information are now available here. Completed applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to: NYSWaterGrants@efc.ny.gv by Friday, January 11, 2019.

Read full article: New York State

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