Governor Andrew Cuomo announced New York is implementing maximum safety thresholds for PFAS in drinking water.

PFAS is a family of chemicals linked to cancer and other conditions when people are exposed in high enough concentration. Now, years after water supplies were found contaminated in communities like Hoosick Falls and Newburgh, the state is setting the highest levels that will be allowed, at just 10 parts per trillion for PFAS.

For another hazardous chemical, 1,4-dioxane, the maximum is at 1 part per billion. New York becomes the first state to regulate that contaminant.

All water systems in New York will have to test for these chemicals and remove them when those levels get too high.

Meanwhile, at the federal level, legislation requiring the Army Corps of Engineers to check for PFAS contamination – a bill created in part by Rep. Antonio Delgado – passed the House of Representatives.

If it passes the Senate and is signed into law, it would mandate the Army Corps of Engineers to check for PFAS contamination at all water infrastructure sites they support. Findings would have to be disclosed, and plans would have to be made for clean-up.