New York Guide
PFAS Contamination in New York — What You Need to Know
New York has some of the most significant PFAS contamination in the country. Here is where it has been found, what the state is doing about it, and how to protect your drinking water right now.
Last updated: April 2026 · By the PFASFilterGuide team
New York PFAS Standard
10 ppt for PFOA. 10 ppt for PFOS. 4 ppt for PFNA. 10 ppt for PFHxS. 10 ppt for PFHpA. 8 ppt for HFPO-DA (GenX).
New York adopted Maximum Contaminant Levels for six PFAS compounds in 2020, becoming one of the first states in the country to do so. The PFOA and PFOS limits of 10 ppt are stricter than the EPA's federal MCLs of 4 ppt, but New York set them before the EPA finalized its own rules. Public water suppliers must now comply with these limits. Private well owners are not covered by these regulations.
Known Contamination Sites
These are publicly documented PFAS detections in New York. This is not a complete list — new sites are found regularly as testing expands.
| Location | Source | PFAS Level |
|---|---|---|
| Hoosick Falls (Rensselaer County) | Saint-Gobain and Honeywell manufacturing plants | PFOA over 600 ppt in some wells — one of the first US communities to gain national attention |
| Newburgh (Orange County) | Stewart Air National Guard Base AFFF use | PFOS over 140 ppt detected in New Windsor Reservoir — city's drinking water was impacted |
| Long Island (Nassau and Suffolk Counties) | Industrial discharge, firefighting foam at airports | PFAS detected in dozens of public wells and private wells across Long Island |
| Tonawanda (Erie County) | Industrial manufacturing corridor near Niagara River | Multiple PFAS compounds detected in municipal wells |
| Rome / Griffiss area (Oneida County) | Former Griffiss Air Force Base | PFAS plume in groundwater extending into residential areas |
| Plattsburgh (Clinton County) | Former Plattsburgh Air Force Base | PFAS contamination in groundwater from historical AFFF use |
Military Base Contamination
AFFF firefighting foam used on military bases is one of the largest sources of PFAS groundwater contamination. The Department of Defense has identified these New York bases:
Stewart Air National Guard Base (Newburgh)
Major contamination event. PFOS exceeded safe levels in Newburgh's drinking water supply. City switched to Hudson River intake. Cleanup ongoing.
Former Griffiss AFB / Rome Lab (Rome)
PFAS plume documented in groundwater. Remediation under Air Force responsibility. Monitoring wells installed.
Former Plattsburgh AFB (Plattsburgh)
Historical AFFF use during active base operations. Groundwater contamination mapped. Cleanup underway.
Gabreski Air National Guard Base (Westhampton Beach)
PFAS detected in monitoring wells. Long Island's shallow aquifer makes this especially sensitive.
Hancock Field Air National Guard Base (Syracuse)
PFAS detected in base groundwater. Assessment and monitoring underway.
New York PFAS Regulations
- MCLs adopted in 2020 for PFOA (10 ppt), PFOS (10 ppt), PFNA (4 ppt), PFHxS (10 ppt), PFHpA (10 ppt), and HFPO-DA (8 ppt)
- Public water suppliers must comply with MCLs — noncompliance triggers public notification
- NY Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) oversees remediation at contaminated sites
- 2022 law requires PFAS testing at dry cleaning facilities and certain industrial sites
- PFAS listed as hazardous substances under NY Environmental Conservation Law
- State has filed lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and AFFF manufacturers to fund cleanup
- NY Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act addresses emerging contaminants including PFAS
How to Test Your Water in New York
New York requires all public water systems serving more than 10,000 people to test for PFAS under state regulations. Systems with fewer than 10,000 connections have phased-in compliance dates. Private well owners are not covered — you must arrange testing yourself. The NY DOH recommends certified laboratories for private well testing. Tap Score and SimpleLab ship to New York and test for all 40+ PFAS compounds for $150-$300.
Recommended Filters for New York Residents
Any NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS. The right type depends on whether you rent or own, and how many taps you want filtered.
Renters / Budget
Clearly Filtered Pitcher — $80 + $60/yr filters. NSF P473. No install.
See full reviewHomeowners / Kitchen
Under-sink RO system — $200-$400. Filters all drinking + cooking water at one tap.
See full reviewWhole-House
SpringWell PFAS system — $1,500+. Filters every tap including showers and laundry.
See full reviewCommon Questions
Is PFAS contamination bad in New York?+
Yes. New York has some of the most documented PFAS contamination in the US — particularly in Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, and Long Island. The state acted early with strict MCLs, but contamination is still being discovered. Long Island's shallow aquifer is especially vulnerable because it serves millions of people and has limited natural filtration.
What are New York's PFAS drinking water limits?+
New York set MCLs of 10 ppt for PFOA and PFOS — stricter than the EPA's 4 ppt limit. The state also regulates PFNA at 4 ppt, PFHxS at 10 ppt, PFHpA at 10 ppt, and HFPO-DA (GenX) at 8 ppt. These apply to public water systems. Private wells are not covered.
Was Hoosick Falls really that bad?+
Yes. Hoosick Falls became one of the first US communities to publicly confirm PFOA contamination from manufacturing plants. PFOA levels above 600 ppt were detected in some wells — more than 60 times the federal limit. The EPA and state provided bottled water, and the community has been fighting for remediation and health monitoring since 2015.
Should I test my well in New York?+
If you are on a private well near a former military base, an industrial site, or in communities like Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, or Long Island, testing is strongly recommended. NY DOH maintains a list of areas with known PFAS concerns. Use a certified lab that tests for all 40+ PFAS compounds, not just PFOA and PFOS.
Protect Your Water Now
You do not need to wait for your state to act. An NSF P473 certified filter removes PFAS from your tap water today. Start with a test to know your levels, then pick the filter that fits your home.