Elevated copper levels found in water of some Niskayuna homes

Niskayuna, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Elevated levels of copper have been found in some homes in Niskayuna, and residents are growing concerned about its impacts on public health. Many are finding signs like staining in places like their very own sinks.

“We put in two water heaters in seven years, and our water is actually at times neon blue, highlighter blue,” explained Niskayuna resident Kristine Brooks.

Brooks and her family lives on Rosendale Road, an area that has had a few cases of high copper levels. She said they first noticed the copper issue in 2019.

“We noticed that our water tasted very metallic, so we had people coming in to test our water” said Brooks. “We were told it was just us, but it turns out this is actually a more widespread issue.”

Residents told me that some people have been correlating the issue to town officials in the wake of the upcoming election. Brooks says the issue is not political.

“It is disconcerting that this has been made to be a political issue” said Brooks. “This is not a political issue. This is a public safety issue. And I think residents deserve to know that their water potentially is unsafe.”

Brett and April Steenburgh have lived in Niskayuna for over twenty years. They said they quickly saw signs.

“It just was a matter of the water coming out of the tap, it stained her hair green” Brett said about his wife, April’s, experience. “You know, other more minor issues. Our pets had never drank our tap water, which you’d be surprised how intuitive they really are.”

They say one of their biggest concerns has been communication from the town. We reached out to the Town Supervisor, and the Superintendent of Water and Sewer. Both were unable to comment at this time, but assured us they were meeting with the Schenectady County Department of Health. 

“We filed the claim in December, it really wasn’t until April that we really started even getting some response back from the town to help us, you know, try to address the issue and figure out what it was” said Brett.

Another fear for many is the health risks associated with copper ingestion. For the Steenburgh’s, they think of their son, who has been drinking this water his whole life. 

“He’s an athlete, he’s a soccer player, and when I think of how many times he filled up gallons of water, tap water before going to a game, it makes me sick to my stomach” said April.

According to the CDC, the health risks associated with copper ingestion include vomiting, nausea, and abdominal pain. Ingesting copper at high levels over time can lead to severe illness, such as kidney and liver damage.

If you believe you may have copper in your water, the town is advising the following.

• Limit exposure by using only cold water for drinking, cooking, or making baby formula.
• Flush pipes and run your tap before drinking, bathing, doing dishes, or laundry.
• Use a water filter to remove the copper. 

If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to the Town of Niskayuna Water and Sewer Department at (518)-386-4520.  Stick with us on air and online for more on how the town is addressing this issue.