No Easy Answers for Hoosick Falls Water Problem

In December, more than a year after government officials knew that toxic levels of PFOA had tainted the Village water supplies, Hoosick Falls residents learned that their drinking water was contaminated. Since then, residents have grappled with the knowledge that they have been exposed to a toxic chemical capable of causing multiple health problems.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed that PFOA is toxic. It poses potential adverse effects to human health and because it does not break down easily, is persistent in the environment.

At a meeting on Thursday, January 14 at the Central School, organized in response to the concerns of the Hoosick Falls community, the EPA, Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation presented information about the PFOA contaminated water and answered questions from residents. The health and environmental agencies advised residents:

• Do not drink, brush your teeth, or use the water from the Hoosick Falls public water supply for cooking;
• Children and people with skin conditions or abrasions should not expose their skin to the water;
• Minimize inhalation of water from showering or bathing;
• Do not use the water for humidifiers; and
• If you have a private well, contact the NY State Dept of Health to have it tested. Contact Albert DeMarco at 518 402-7860 or e-mail [email protected]

Some important questions, such as how long residents have been exposed, and how long they will be without an untainted water supply, went unanswered.

For more information on testing, your legal rights, potential claims and more, fill out this questionnaire and request for information and “print to PDF” and save to file to send via email to:

[email protected]

or print to send by U.S. Mail to:

Williams Cuker Berezofsky

1515 Market Street, Suite 1300

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Hoosick Falls Resident Questionnaire – Contact Form.

The Department of Health is planning blood testing for exposed residents and a community meeting to discuss this will be announced soon. “Like” the Williams Cuker Berezofsky Facebook page to stay informed about testing, meetings, and more.