Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-C) and Senator Joe Griffo (R-C) toured the Mohawk Valley Water Authority (MVWA) labs on Tuesday, Aug. 8, and held a press conference to discuss water quality immediately following the tour.

“Ensuring that everyone across the Mohawk Valley has their public health protected by providing a safe water quality is a priority.” said Buttenschon. I appreciate the Mohawk Valley Water Authority for the proactive work to keep our water safe and healthy through the lab and field work.“I will also continue to work with MVWA and completely support their request for state funding to continue the work on identifying lead lines in the MVWA system. In addition, I continue to work with my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to provide the needed resources to keep our homes drinking water safe.”

The press conference in the third-floor conference room of the MVWA discussed lead abatement strategies, maintaining water infrastructure and what safeguards are being implemented to protect public health.

“The Mohawk Valley Water Authority has been working diligently to address the issue of lead service pipes, and we expect to remain in full compliance with all drinking water regulations. We welcome the support of our local elected representatives and look forward to a team approach in addressing this important community concern,” said MVWA Executive Director Patrick Becher.

Sen. Joseph Griffo (R-Rome) said, “Everyone deserves to have access to safe, clean and high-quality drinking water that is free of harmful contaminants such as lead. I appreciate that the Mohawk Valley Water Authority continues to take action to protect its water supply. I will continue to work with the water authority and my partners in government to ensure that children, families and residents are not exposed to dangerous levels of lead in their water, their homes and elsewhere.”

We were also joined by Assembly member Brian Miller who represents portions that the system.

“The aging water infrastructure in upstate New York needs to be modernized in order to provide safe water quality that residents deserve. This issue affects not only the cities, but towns and villages such as New Hartford as well,” said Assemblyman Brian Miller. “I applaud the efforts of the Mohawk Valley Water Authority to complete the required lead pipe inventory in a timely manner. It is imperative that we have safe water for all.”