Clean Water for Everyone; Funding to Protect Public Drinking Water Sources

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation sent this bulletin on 05/11/2021 10:02 AM EDT
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
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Hudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

In This Issue:

  • Celebrate Water Week: Clean Water for Everyone
  • Drinking Water Source Protection Programs

Celebrate Water Week

Boy drinking waterFor 40 years, New York has set aside a full week in May to focus on its abundant water resources, highlight water issues, and encourage stewardship. This year’s Water Week theme is "Clean Water for Everyone" to highlight how DEC helps communities protect water quality and public drinking water in every area of the State for all people, regardless of race, color, or income.

New York is increasing investments for clean water infrastructure projects, including the State's unprecedented $4 billion commitment to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to clean water. Learn about Clean Water for the Hudson River and What You Can Do to Protect the Hudson River Estuary.

Drinking Water Source Protection Programs

New York State has launched an initiative to assist municipalities with assessing and supporting drinking water source protection programs. As part of the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2), up to 40 volunteer communities will work with technical assistance partners to develop programs that proactively protect public drinking water supplies. DWSP2 is a multi-agency initiative led by DEC and the NYS Department of Health, in collaboration with the NYS departments of Agriculture and Markets and State.

Supported by the State's Environmental Protection Fund, DWSP2 supports the protection of water quality and public drinking water across the state through the employment of technical assistance providers. Presently, $3 million has been dedicated to hiring two consulting firms and a portion of $2 million of the 604(b)-grant program has been allocated to regional planning boards, all for assisting volunteer communities with creating and implementing their source water programs. There is no cost for this program. Communities interested in the Drinking Water Source Protection Program can learn more on DEC's website, or email source.water@dec.ny.gov.

A drone view of the Hudson River on a sunny day. Photo by Scott Snell.