HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019.12-16_NYPIRG_Water_Community_PresentationClean Water in Peril
About NYPIRG
Since its founding in 1973, NYPIRG has been a
leading voice in New York State on a wide range
of environmental and energy issues. The goal of
NYPIRG’s environmental protection campaign is to
make New York a global leader in protecting
public health from the serious threats of water
and air pollution, climate change, and toxic
chemical exposure.
Sources of Water Troubles
•Aging water infrastructure
•Sewage
•Chemical contamination
•Agricultural run-off
•Oil and gas spills and waste
•Plastic pollution
Protect Water from Source to Tap
Three main focus areas:
1.Fully fund water infrastructure
2.Regulate emerging contaminants
3.Eliminate single-use plastics
Aging Water Infrastructure
$80 BILLION
CSOs, SSOs, and Septic
More HABs
More beach closures
More beach closures
Harms health, harms economy
Emerging Contaminants in NY
Hoosick Falls: PFOA
*PFOA stands for perfluorooctanoic acid
*It can be found in Teflon, treated
upholstery, wood sealants, microwave
popcorn bags and more.
Hoosick Falls: PFOA
•Health concerns:
•Kidney cancer
•Testicular cancer
•Ulcerative colitis
•Thyroid disease
•Preeclampsia
•High cholesterol
Some Solutions: State level
•Additional state funding for water
infrastructure, source water protection –
Advocates recommend at least $1B
annually.
•Banning and regulating dangerous
chemicals
•Creating a comprehensive database of
annual water reports, emerging
contaminant testing, etc, for all public
water systems online
Some Solutions: Local level
•Applying for state grants to protect source
water, repair water infrastructure, etc.
•Passing resolutions, or sending a letter, to
the Governor and Legislative leadership
asking for an increase in state water
funding.
•Ensuring all water quality information is
easily accessible for the public online.
•Install water efficient infrastructure in
municipal owned buildings.
•Limit or eliminate use of fertilizers on
municipal properties.
Some Solutions: Personal level
•Reduce water consumption (limit shower
times, use water efficient appliances, etc).
•Use a rain barrel to collect storm water
(this water can be used for gardening or
other outdoor uses).
•Find out where the source of your drinking
water is.
•Limit or eliminate use of lawn fertilizers.
What You Can Do
✓Call your elected officials.
✓Sign petitions.
✓Work alongside your community –
Organize!
✓Let’s work together to win!
Call
518-436-0876 (ext. 258)
Online
Visit www.nypirg.org
Email emoran@nypirg.org
Elizabeth Moran,
Environmental Policy Director