Experts highlight challenges in updating New York’s aging water infrastructure systems

CAPITAL REGION, NY (WRGB) — A State of Emergency remains in effect in the town of Whitehall as crews repair the damaged water system.

Residents are reminded that this water is not yet safe to drink and that the limited supply still requires conservation measures; bottled water and portable water tanks continue to provide support for Whitehall residents as work continues.

“With any water supply system, it’s just not a matter of once that water supply gets drained in the system, they just can’t correct the valve ovens full blast,” said Matt Franklin, Director of NYS Office of Emergency Management. “They have to kind of trickle that into a system, especially one that’s not brand new, and make sure they do that in a very stepped process so they’re not creating more problems than they’re trying to fix.

The town of Whitehall isn’t alone, the Village of Fonda has issued multiple boil water advisories since the summer; a notice was issued Wednesday for water turbidity and chlorine levels that did not meet standards.

The Village of Fultonville also lifted a boil water advisory Wednesday afternoon.

The city of Troy has spent several years collecting data to repair lead service water lines to residential homes.

We asked experts why some communities take years to repair water infrastructure; the answer, they’re not simple fixes.

“Other communities have wastewater treatment plants that can’t handle the volume of water flowing into them. So millions of gallons of raw sewage are discharged into our lakes and rivers every year,” said Rob Hayes, Sr. Director of Clean Water, Environmental Advocates NY. “Then, of course, there’s the issue of lead pipes, which almost every community is dealing with that are day after day leaching a dangerous neurotoxin into our drinking water. The only way to fix our pipes is to replace that outdated infrastructure and build a new water infrastructure for the 21st century.”

Clean water advocates say funding is another hurdle.

In 2024, Governor Hochul distributed $500 million to municipalities to repair and restore water infrastructure. They’re hoping the state will allocate $600 million this year.

rob hayes/sr. director of clean water, environmental advocates ny

“Every year in the state of New York, our water infrastructure grant program is oversubscribed.

more communities are applying for this funding than there is funding to go around,” said Hayes. “That means that a lot of really great shovel-ready projects that protect clean water might not get off the ground in a given year.”

“You know, pieces and parts get outdated, stuff breaks, and they have to maintain and stay on top of that, trying to find the balance of what’s best to fix, what way can they do it,” added Franklin. “Is there anything they can improve with the system as it exists that may have been commonplace 20, 50, 75 years ago that now is making it a premium?”