PFOA/PFOS Information

On August 26, 2020, New York State (NYS) adopted new drinking water standards that set Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL) of 10 parts per trillion (10 ppt) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). MCLs require public water systems to regularly monitor for contaminants, notify health departments and the public of confirmed exceedances, and work with health departments on a compliance timetable and plan to bring water systems into compliance.

PFOA and PFOS are part of a large family of manmade chemicals known as per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS) that have been widely used in various consumer, commercial, and industrial products since the 1950's. PFAS do not break down easily and persist in the environment, especially in water. Because of widespread use, PFAS releases into the environment have been detected in surface water, groundwater, animals, and humans worldwide. Rockland's Public Water Systems have already started the process of testing for these compounds, and where necessary, notifying customers and designing treatment systems to achieve compliance with the new standards. You can check progress by contacting your local water supplier or visiting their website.

• Veolia NY
• Village of Nyack Water Department
• Village of Suffern Water Department

Private Well Owners

The regulation does not apply to private wells. Nevertheless, we want to be sure private well owners are aware of the potential for their wells to be affected by these compounds. The only way to know that is to have your well tested. The following link will assist you in finding a certified laboratory to test your well for PFOA and PFOS: NYS DOH certified laboratory search

For guidance on how to select water treatment equipment if it is needed, and more information on PFAS as an emerging contaminant, click on the following links:

• In-Home Drinking Water Filtration Options
• NYS DEC Emerging Contaminants
• NYS DOH Public Water Systems and Drinking Water Standards
• US EPA Drinking Water Health Advisories

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