New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

01/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/23/2025 14:45

DEC and DOH Announce Opening of Next Drinking Water Source Protection Program Application Period

Interested Water Suppliers Encouraged to Join Virtual Webinar Feb. 4, 2025

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald today announced the availability of free technical assistance for municipalities to protect public drinking water supplies through the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2). The multi-agency initiative, led by DEC and DOH in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and State (DOS), empowers municipalities to take critical actions to improve and protect the environment and public water sources, even before these sources are treated to supply safe potable water.

"New York State is committed to safeguarding water quality and ensuring New Yorkers have access to clean drinking water sources across the state," said Interim DEC Commissioner Sean Mahar. "The launch of the 2025 Drinking Water Source Protection Program application period offers municipalities with a public water supply the opportunity to proactively protect their sources of drinking water. DEC is dedicated to promoting safe and healthy water supplies for all New Yorkers by partnering with municipalities to safeguard and maintain groundwater and surface water resources, working to secure reliable sources of clean drinking water for generations to come."

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Safe drinking water is foundational to good health and New York State is committed to providing resources to communities that will help them safeguard this precious resource now and into the future. We encourage municipalities to take advantage of this free technical assistance and apply for the 2025 Drinking Water Source Protection Program today."

As part of DWSP2, up to 30 volunteer communities will work with technical assistance providers to develop and implement a customized drinking water source protection program at no cost to the participating municipalities. DWSP2 is open to all community public drinking water supplies in New York regardless of size or water source.

The program is designed to build on previous work, help align priorities, and fill potential gaps in a municipality's current and future source water protection efforts.

Participating municipalities will receive assistance in assessing modern-day vulnerabilities and engaging in preventative actions to protect drinking water sources from contamination, identifying effective actions to address potential contaminant sources, and implementing source water protection actions. DWSP2 helps ensure meaningful collaboration during plan development and initial implementation between municipalities and their technical assistance providers.

Municipalities participating in the Drinking Water Source Protection Program:

  • Promote public health and safety;

  • Support economic viability;

  • Enhance environmental protection and recreational opportunities; and

  • Strengthen community partnerships and collaboration.

The DWSP2 process provides updated source water maps, assessments of potential contaminant sources, and identifies effective methods to address potential contaminant sources.

The purpose of DWSP2 is to prepare municipalities for plan implementation to provide long-term source water protection. DWSP2 helps with implementation by identifying feasible actions and funding sources to cover potential project costs. The plan will act as a road map that includes:

  • Methods to address targeted potential contaminant sources;

  • Cost analysis for all identified implementation projects;

  • Potential funding sources that can aid with project costs;

  • Project partners that can support implementation; and

  • Project timing and schedule.

Public water suppliers are encouraged to apply for free technical assistance to develop and implement a Drinking Water Source Protection Program by visiting the DWSP2 website and completing an online application. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 28  at 4 p.m. Register now for DWSP2's upcoming webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at 11 a.m. to learn more about program benefits and how to apply for free technical assistance to protect drinking water sources.

Communities interested in DWSP2 can learn more on DEC's website or contact [email protected].

New York's Commitment to Water Quality  
New York State continues to increase its nation-leading investments in water infrastructure. Governor Hochul's 2025 State of the State initiatives address the urgent need to ensure clean drinking water, protect public health, and address environmental challenges in New York and are helping to ensure ongoing coordination with local governments and ensure communities can leverage these investments. Building on the state's existing $5.5 billion commitment, an additional $500 million in water infrastructure will be invested to reduce water bills, combat flooding, restore waterways, and replace lead service lines to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children in underserved communities. The funding is in addition to other substantial water quality investments, including the voter-approved $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, which is advancing historic levels of funding to update aging water infrastructure and protect water quality, strengthen communities' ability to withstand severe storms and flooding, reduce air pollution and lower climate-altering emissions, restore habitats, and preserve outdoor spaces and local farms. These investments will create jobs, strengthen community resilience, and improve environmental sustainability. By taking these steps, Governor Hochul is ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for all New Yorkers.