Water We Can Trust
Turn on the faucet, and water flows—clear, reliable, safe. That’s the expectation for every New Yorker, but aging pipes and toxic contaminants like PFAS put it at risk. Governor Kathy Hochul’s $37 million investment in water infrastructure, announced recently, confronts these dangers directly, funding projects across the state to protect families and secure clean water for all.
The stakes are high. PFAS, known as forever chemicals, pollute drinking water, raising risks of cancer and immune disorders. Nationally, our water systems earn a C- grade, with wastewater at D+, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. Years of underinvestment have left pipes leaking and communities vulnerable. New York’s response, fueled by federal support from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, delivers hope and action.
Why should anyone fear their tap water? This funding replaces lead pipes, upgrades treatment plants, and tackles PFAS, ensuring safe water remains a universal right. From Port Washington to Massena, these projects affirm a commitment to public health over short-term savings.
Lifting Communities Through Investment
The Environmental Facilities Corporation’s $37 million package combines grants and low-cost loans, making vital upgrades affordable. In Hurley, a $1.3 million grant funds PFAS cleanup at a closed landfill. In Athens, $1.4 million improves a water treatment plant. These efforts mean safer drinking water, fewer health risks, and peace of mind for parents.
Economic benefits ripple outward. Infrastructure projects create well-paying jobs, from construction to maintenance. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s $50 billion water investment is expected to generate thousands of jobs nationwide. In New York, workers in places like Bolivar and Otego will build wastewater plants and water mains, strengthening local economies and family incomes.
Some policymakers argue for slashing federal funds, claiming states and towns should handle costs alone. House Republican proposals to cut EPA budgets by up to 65 percent reflect this view. Yet, federal grants now cover only 28.4 percent of water and transit capital spending, down from 53.9 percent in 1977. Expecting small communities to bear these burdens alone leads to higher water bills and neglected repairs, hurting families most.
New York Sets the Standard
New York’s strategy shines as a national model. Since 2017, the state has invested $6 billion in water infrastructure, with $500 million more in the 2025-26 budget. State Revolving Funds, paired with federal dollars, maximize impact, allowing villages like Millport to add backup wells and rural towns like Black Brook to upgrade wastewater systems without raising rates.
Compare this to efforts to weaken water protections. Since the 1970s, some lawmakers have sought to limit the Clean Water Act, prioritizing business interests. The 2023 Supreme Court ruling narrowing federal wetland oversight risks more pollution and fewer safeguards. New York chooses a different path, funding PFAS remediation and lead pipe replacement to protect every resident’s health.
What does it mean to prioritize equity? It means ensuring clean water reaches everyone, especially underserved communities. New York’s grants align with Justice40 goals, directing 40 percent of federal benefits to disadvantaged areas. This approach builds stronger, healthier towns, proving that investment in people pays off.
A Call to Keep Going
This $37 million investment marks progress, but the challenge persists. A $110 billion national funding gap for water infrastructure could reach $194 billion by 2030. Bold federal action is essential—strengthening the Clean Water Act, ensuring affordability, and declaring safe water a human right. New York’s leadership, backed by Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, shows how to balance health, jobs, and fairness.
Those who argue we can’t afford these investments overlook the cost of inaction: sicker families, lost wages, and crumbling systems. Hochul’s plan proves we can modernize infrastructure and protect communities while keeping costs manageable. Don’t our children deserve water they can trust?
New York is building a future where clean water flows for all. With every grant and project, we move closer to that goal. Let’s demand more action to make safe water a reality everywhere.