Cuomo Says Preliminary Tests Clear in Hoosick Falls Visit

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says preliminary tests from a new temporary municipal water filtration system in Hoosick Falls show levels of a chemical linked to cancer have fallen to undetectable levels.

Cuomo made his first visit on Sunday to the town in Rensselaer County since residents were told in December to stop drinking the water because of PFOA, or perfluorooctonaoic acid. The chemical was used for decades in nonstick and stain-resistant coatings and hundreds of other products.

Cuomo says residents still shouldn’t drink the water, and that the companies connected to the contamination would be bringing in bottled water for residents.

He says the state will also pay for six months’ worth of water bills for residents who haven’t been able to use what’s coming out of their taps.