NY Council Recommends Contaminant Limits For Drinking Water

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A state council has recommended maximum drinking water contaminant levels for industrial chemicals that have turned up in Hoosick Falls, Newburgh and other communities.

The New York Drinking Water Quality Council on Tuesday recommended that the state health commissioner set a maximum limit of 10 parts per trillion for the chemicals PFOA and PFOS. Environmental groups had sought a level of 4 parts per trillion.

The Environmental Protection Agency advises that up to 70 parts per trillion is acceptable. Vermont has set a standard of 20 parts per trillion.

The nonprofit Environmental Working Group estimates that more than 1,500 water systems across the country may be contaminated with the chemicals. Exposure at high levels is linked to some forms of cancer and other problems.