Ulster County residents who rely on private wells for their drinking water can once again apply for free PFAS testing and mitigation rebates. The New York State Department of Health recently reopened the application portal for this pilot program after a temporary pause caused by a higher-than-expected volume of applicants earlier this spring.

The program, which is a collaborative effort between several state agencies and local leadership, offers a tiered rebate system to help residents address contamination from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). If testing reveals PFOA or PFOS levels at or above the state guideline of 10 parts per trillion, eligible property owners can receive up to $5,000 for whole-house treatment systems, up to $10,000 for connecting to public water, or $1,000 for point-of-use systems.

While the program is open to all residents in Ulster County, the state has identified several high-priority municipalities due to elevated potential risk factors. These areas, largely located in the southern portion of the county, include Shawangunk and Wawarsing. However, officials emphasize that residents living outside these specific municipalities are still encouraged to apply.

"The overwhelming response from our residents when the application opened in March shows the degree to which the public is aware of, and concerned about, the dangers of PFAS," said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, who originally announced the pilot during her State of the County Address.

Property owners with private wells, tenants (with a notarized owner acknowledgment), and certain businesses like restaurants or convenience stores that operate their own wells are encouraged to apply. Residents must first receive free testing through the state; if results meet the threshold, they may then apply for rebates after mitigation work is completed. Wells that are already part of an existing remediation program for known contamination are not eligible.

Applications are preferred to be submitted online at health.ny.gov/PrivateWellPFAS, though paper applications are also available. Residents seeking local assistance to navigate the process can contact the Ulster County Department of Health at (845) 340-3022 or call the state program hotline at 1-800-616-9275. Because funding is limited, residents are encouraged to apply promptly, as the portal may close again based on demand.