Video ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) – Contaminated water in New York has been linked to major health problems in communities across the state.
Although the deadline for the first step in addressing this problem is approaching, environmental groups say little is being done.
"I have contracted bladder cancer and my wife has contracted bone and marrow cancer," Michelle O’Leary, Hoosick Falls resident and NYWaterProject member, said.
O’Leary is telling a friend’s story, but accounts like these have been coming out of communities like Hoosick Falls and Newburgh for years now.
A year ago, Governor Cuomo created the Drinking Water Quality Council that was tasked with the job of establishing the maximum amount of toxic chemicals that should be allowed in the water.
Even though the high level of toxins are known to cause health problems, there is no state limit that can manage these chemicals.
"The public has a basic right and expectation that they’re government is going to assure them that the water from their taps is safe and clean to drink.
So environmental groups are asking, what’s the holdup?
The Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health have and continue to deploy unprecedented resources supported by an historic financial commitment to hold polluters accountable and to safeguard public health and the environment.
"These are some of 5,000 postcards we have collected from across the state, urging the council to set stringent limits on those three chemicals," NYPIRG said.