Cooling Centers
With the extreme heat predicted, residents can visit one of the cooling centers throughout the county. [VIEW COOLING CENTER LOCATIONS]
PFOA/PFOS Information
In 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 test for contaminants, notify health departments and the public of confirmed exceedances, and work with health departments on a plan and schedule to bring water systems into compliance.
PFOA and PFOS are manmade chemicals, known as per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAS), which have been used in various consumer, commercial, and industrial products since the 1950's. PFAS do not break down easily and can stay in the environment for a long time, especially in water. Because of widespread use, PFAS have been detected in surface water, groundwater, animals, and humans worldwide.
Rockland's public water systems are already testing for these chemicals, and when necessary, notifying customers and designing treatment systems to meet the new standards. You can check their progress by contacting your local water supplier or visiting their website.
Private Well Owners
The regulation does not apply to private wells, but private well owners should be aware that their wells could be affected by these compounds. The only way to know is to have your well tested. Use the following link to find a NYS certified laboratory to test your well for PFOA and PFOS: certified laboratory search.
For guidance on choosing water treatment equipment, and to learn more information on PFAS, use the links below:
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