ဟံၣ်My WebLinkဘၣ်ဃးဒီး2019.12-16_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