For 600,000 New Yorkers, Toxins are In Their Tap Water: A New York Focus analysis of state inspection data shows key toxins are in public water systems from Long Island to the Adirondacks, posing risks for cancers and other diseases. Millions are being spent to fix problems, but even well-planned efforts have faced delays. Poorer towns wonder if they can afford to fix the problem.

Author

• Shuchi Shah, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow
• Hayden Betts, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow
• Aurora Martinez, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow
• Rebecca McCray, Craig Newmark Graduate School of JournalismFollow

Graduation Date

Fall 12-19-2025

Grading Professor

Andrew Lehren

Subject Concentration

Investigative

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Abstract

The story stems from an analysis of New York State data on drinking water contaminants. The state inspection data shows key toxins are in public water systems from Long Island to the Adirondacks, posing risks for cancers and other diseases. Millions are being spent to fix problems, but even well-planned efforts have faced delays. Poorer towns wonder if they can afford to fix the problem.

Recommended Citation

Shah, Shuchi; Betts, Hayden; Martinez, Aurora; and McCray, Rebecca, "For 600,000 New Yorkers, Toxins are In Their Tap Water: A New York Focus analysis of state inspection data shows key toxins are in public water systems from Long Island to the Adirondacks, posing risks for cancers and other diseases. Millions are being spent to fix problems, but even well-planned efforts have faced delays. Poorer towns wonder if they can afford to fix the problem." (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gj_etds/857