Suffolk County Offers Free PFAS Testing for Private Well Owners

Suffolk County residents who rely on private wells can now apply for free testing of their water for PFAS — a group of synthetic chemicals linked to serious health problems — officials announced this week.

County Executive Ed Romaine announced the program, which is administered by New York State and available at no cost to eligible private well owners across the county. Residents can apply or find more information through the state Health Department's website at health.ny.gov/PrivateWellPFAS.

PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made chemicals used in a wide range of industrial and consumer products. Long-term exposure has been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. Private wells are not subject to the same routine testing requirements as public water systems, leaving some homeowners unaware of potential contamination.

Suffolk County has a large number of households that depend on private wells, particularly in its more rural and eastern communities. The North Fork and other areas of the East End have seen elevated attention to groundwater quality in recent years amid concerns about contamination from agricultural chemicals, legacy industrial sites and other sources.

Officials said the free testing program is part of a broader statewide push to identify and address PFAS contamination in private drinking water supplies. New York has been among the states most aggressive in setting drinking water standards for certain PFAS compounds.

Residents whose wells test above acceptable levels may be eligible for additional assistance, though officials did not specify in the announcement what remediation options would be available.

Anyone seeking more information or wishing to apply can visit the state Health Department website or contact the county for guidance.