Working to Make Drinking Water Safe with a Statewide Sampling Program

Safe drinking water for New York residents is a top priority for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health. To support the New York State Water Quality Rapid Response Team PFAS Survey, we worked with the NYSDEC on a statewide sampling program to investigate potential sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination that may have impacted residential drinking water supplies.

Our team sampled drinking water wells across New York State at residences and businesses identified by NYSDEC and NYSDOH, based on proximity to approximately 45 potential source facilities with an operating history indicating potential PFAS use. Our team also sampled groundwater monitoring wells associated with the potential PFAS source facilities, including airports, fire training centres, bulk storage facilities and manufacturing facilities.

Our field and analytical services included:

• Coordinating with state agencies to identify residences, businesses and source facilities recommended for drinking water or groundwater sampling.
• Drafting letters to property owners and source facility representatives requesting access to their properties for the purpose of collecting water samples.
• Collecting groundwater and drinking water samples for PFAS analyses in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and ASTM International analytical methods.
• Managing subcontracts with analytical laboratories and data validators.
• Reviewing and reducing data received from analytical laboratories.
• Coordinating the preparation of laboratory data usability summary reports to confirm the accuracy and usability of the data received.
• Evaluating and preparing data deliverables to support and inform the NYSDEC and NYSDOH databases. 

Throughout this process, our team sampled over 140 drinking water wells and groundwater monitoring wells. Based on sampling results, NYSDEC is providing alternative drinking water sources and/or point of entry treatment systems where warranted to ensure the safety of drinking water to affected residents.