Newburgh, the City of Poughkeepsie and Middletown are receiving more than $2 million from the state to help clean up its water.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday the three municipalities were one of several as part of a $20 million initiative to replace residential drinking water lead service lines as part of New York’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017.
The three municipalities are all each receiving $544,745.
"Public health begins with access to clean drinking water, and reducing lead exposure, especially in children, should always be a top priority," Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said.
"This statewide program to replace residential lead pipes in areas of the state that need it most will improve the health of New Yorkers."
Lead poisoning can harm a child’s growth, behavior, and ability to learn.
Women who are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to avoid lead as it can be harmful to babies before they are born, the state.
The state requires health care providers test all children for lead with a blood lead test at one and two years of age.
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