Drinking Water Quality Council
Overview
The Drinking Water Quality Council (DWQC) was established by New York State Public Health Law § 1113 (PHL § 1113), to provide recommendations to the New York State Department of Health on emerging contaminants in drinking water. PHL § 1113 was enacted as part of several measures within the 2017-2018 State Budget designed to maintain and improve the quality of New York’s drinking water supplies and infrastructure. Standing at the forefront of the State’s efforts to protect public health from threats posed by emerging contaminants, the DWQC will address some of the most technically challenging aspects of environmental health and drinking water regulation.
Open Meetings Law Compliance
DWQC meetings are subject to the Open Meetings Law (OML) and open to the public. Meetings can be attended in person or viewed live via webcast. Videoconferencing by council members is permitted under extraordinary circumstances as identified in OML following the Videoconferencing Procedure. A public comment session is held at the end of each meeting. Verbal comment is limited to 2 minutes. Public comments can also be submitted to DWQC@health.ny.gov. Written comments received 3 days in advance of a meeting will be given to DWQC Members prior to the meeting. Webcasts of the meetings are posted on our web site for one year within two weeks following the meeting.
Upcoming Meetings
The next DWQC meeting will take place in Summer 2026. Additional details will be posted here once they are confirmed.
Mission
Providing science-based recommendations about emerging contaminants in drinking water to protect public health.
Charge
New York State Public Health Law § 1113 (PHL § 1113) charged the council to make recommendations to NYSDOH relating to:
- (a) those contaminants, which the department may list as emerging contaminants pursuant to New York State Public Health Law § 1112 (PHL § 1112).
- (i) In determining what substances shall be recommended as emerging contaminants the council shall, at a minimum, consider:
- A. unregulated contaminants monitored pursuant to the federal Safe Drinking Water Act (42 USC § 300g-1) as amended from time to time;
- B. substances that require regulation or monitoring when present in drinking water in other jurisdictions outside the state of New York;
- C. pesticide chemicals for which the United States environmental protection agency has set human health benchmarks for drinking water;
- D. substances found at sites in remedial programs located inside and outside the state of New York, including but not limited to inactive hazardous waste sites; and
- E. waterborne pathogens and microbiological contaminants.
- (ii) The council shall recommend a notification level for each recommended emerging contaminant.
- (iii) The council shall recommend timeframes and frequencies in which testing should be required for the recommended emerging contaminants, allowing for variation based on circumstances such as the source of water, the region and size of the water system.
- (iv) The council shall provide the department with its first list of recommended emerging contaminants and corresponding notification levels for which testing shall be required no later than one year from the initial meeting of the council, and the council shall update the list and recommend notification levels annually thereafter;
- (b) a review of substances identified as emerging contaminants pursuant to section one thousand one hundred twelve of this title. Where appropriate the council shall recommend either a maximum contaminant level (MCL), or the removal of the substance from the list of emerging contaminants, on the basis of available scientific evidence and any other relevant factors;
- (c) the form and content of public notifications issued pursuant to section one thousand one hundred twelve of this title;
- (d) working with other state agencies and the federal government to ensure funds are available and accessible, parties known to be responsible for contamination are pursued, and mitigation, remediation, and cleanup projects occur in a timely manner;
- (e) the development of educational materials regarding private well water testing;
- (f) the appropriate use of, and methods and manner of conducting, biomonitoring and biomonitoring studies;
- (g) the inclusion of information on the online tracking and mapping system established in section 3-0315 of the environmental conservation law; and
- (h) anything else the department or the department of environmental conservation designates.
Contact Information
Questions or comments: dwqc@health.ny.gov or call 518-402-7650
Membership
The DWQC consists of twelve nonpartisan and impartial members, consisting of representatives from government, academia, the public, and drinking water systems. Members of the DWQC are uniquely qualified, with expertise in drinking water, water resources, environmental conservation, environmental engineering, microbiology, toxicology, and health risk assessment.
Current Members
- James V. McDonald, MD, MPH
Commissioner, New York State Department of Health (Designee: Gary Ginsberg, PhD, Director, Center for Environmental Health)
Appointed by Statute, NYSDOH Commissioner and Council Chair
James V. McDonald M.D., M.P.H., was appointed Acting Commissioner of Health January 1, 2023, and confirmed as Commissioner by the State Senate on June 10th, 2023. Prior to joining the New York State Department of Health in July of 2022, Dr. McDonald served at the Rhode Island Department of Health since 2012. At the Rhode Island Department of Health, he served in multiple roles, including Interim Director of Health, Chief Administrative Officer of the Board of Medical Licensure and Discipline, Medical Director for the COVID unit, as well as the Medical Director for Center for Customer Services and the Drug Overdose prevention program. He was also a member of the Governor’s task force on Preventing Overdose deaths. Dr. McDonald has faculty appointments at the Brown School of Public Health as well as the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. Dr. McDonald earned his M.D. from Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago, his pediatric residency in the US Navy, and his preventive medicine residency from the State University of New York. He earned his MPH from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He earned his BS in Biology from Siena College. Dr. McDonald is board certified in pediatrics as well as preventive medicine. Dr. McDonald is an Albany County Resident. - Patrick Foster, Council Member
Deputy Commissioner, Environmental Remediation and Materials Management, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Appointed by Statute, NYSDEC Commissioner
Patrick Foster is an attorney and a Deputy Commissioner for the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). In this role, Patrick supports the Office of Sustainability and Divisions of Environmental Remediation, Materials Management and Mineral Resources at DEC. He has held multiple roles at DEC, including Acting General Counsel, Regional Director for Region 2, covering the five boroughs of New York City, Regional Attorney in Region 2, and Chief of the Natural Resource Damages Section in the Office of General Counsel. Patrick has taught environmental policy at St. John’s University and Administrative Law at CUNY School of Law where he currently teaches Environmental Law. He is a graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington and received his J.D. and M.A. from the City University of New York. He resides in New York County (Manhattan). - Daniel Lang, MS, PG, Council Member
Deputy Center Director, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health
Appointed by Statute, NYSDOH Designee-Drinking Water Expert
Mr. Lang has worked in numerous leadership roles within the Center for Environmental Health since joining NYSDOH in June of 2017. Mr. Lang is a licensed New York State Professional Geologist and has over 30 years of experience in the environmental field. Prior to his role in NYSDOH, he worked as an environmental consultant for 25 years after receiving his MS in Hydrogeology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and BS in Environmental Science from the University of Rochester. He resides in Rensselaer County. - Alexander J. Smith, PhD, Council Member
Assistant Division Director, Division of Water, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Appointed by Statute, NYSDEC Designee-Drinking Water Expert
Dr. Smith assists in overseeing the administration of various NYSDEC water quality improvement and protection programs across New York State. This includes the State’s water quality standards program, which helps protect the waters of the state from emerging contaminants and other pollutants. He is a Saratoga County Resident. - Stanley Carey, Council Member
Superintendent, Village of Garden City Water Department, Long Island Water Conference Member
Appointed by Governor, Water Purveyor Representative
Mr. Carey brings 37 years’ experience working for public drinking water suppliers to the DWQC. Mr. Carey is a former Chairman of the Long Island Water Conference and Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection. Presently, Mr. Carey is the Superintendent for the Village of Garden City Water Department. He resides in Suffolk County. - VACANT
Appointed by Governor, Microbiology Expert
- Michelle Crimi, PhD, Council Member
Dean, Graduate School, Clarkson University; Acting Associate Vice Provost for Research & Technology Transfer, Clarkson University; Interim Vice Provost for Research & Technology; Professor of Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University
Appointed by Governor, Environmental Engineering Expert
Dr. Crimi’s research focuses on developing in situ treatment technologies for groundwater contamination, determining the impact of groundwater technologies on aquifer quality, and integrating treatment technologies for optimized risk reduction. Her recent research concentrates on management and treatment of emerging contaminants such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other emerging contaminants. Her projects are typically conducted in partnership with industry and have a strong focus on moving technologies from the laboratory to full scale adoption. Dr. Crimi is a resident of St. Lawrence County. - Julie Herbstman, PhD, Council Member
Professor, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University; Director, Columbia Center for Children’s Environmental Health; Director, Certificate Program in Molecular Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
Appointed by Governor, Public Representative in Toxicology or Health Risk Assessment Expert
Dr. Herbstman’s research evaluates the associations between prenatal and early life environmental exposures and childhood outcomes primarily using longitudinal birth cohort studies. She has studied effects of exposures including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) on child growth and neurodevelopment. Her research also incorporates biomarkers, including epigenetic measures. Dr. Herbstman received a PhD in environmental epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University and completed postdoctoral training in environmental health sciences from Columbia University. She is a resident of Somerset County, NJ. - Christopher N. Lake, MS, Council Member
Executive Director, Community for a Cause
Appointed by Temporary President of the Senate, Public Representative in Toxicology or Health Risk Assessment Expert
Mr. Lake is an author, business owner, and community activist who in 2014 created the non-profit "Community for a Cause" to advocate for children with lead poisoning. His advocacy has since expanded to include various vulnerable populations in New York. He received his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Queens College and his master’s in Special Education and General Education from Touro College. He currently works as a Family Consultant, team builder, and Behavior Analyst providing evidence-based interventions for children with developmental delays. He is a resident of Queens County. - Lori Emery, MPA, Council Member
Director, Water Quality & Innovation, NYC Environmental Protection
Appointed by Speaker of the Assembly, Water Purveyor Representative
Ms. Emery has worked in the public sector for over 35 years, with extensive experience in water supply operations and water quality. She has been with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) since 1992, and currently serves as the Director of Water Quality & Innovation (WQI) within DEP’s Bureau of Water Supply (BWS). Prior to becoming Director of WQI, Ms. Emery served as the founding Director of BWS Water Innovation and Research. In addition to undergraduate degrees in Ecology/Environmental Technology and Biology, Ms. Emery holds a Master of Public Administration degree from Indiana State University. She resides in Ulster County. - Sarah Meyland, JD, Council Member
Associate Professor, New York Institute of Technology
Appointed by Speaker of the Assembly, Public Representative in Toxicology or Health Risk Assessment Expert
Ms. Meyland is a water specialist with a background in groundwater protection, water resources management, water quality, and environmental law. She was an Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Technology and Sustainability, at New York Institute of Technology, where she taught in the Master of Science Program for over 20 years. She is a resident of Suffolk County. - David A. Rowley, PE, Council Member
Manager of Water Production, City of Rochester Water Bureau
Appointed by Temporary President of the Senate, Water Purveyor Representative
Mr. Rowley has over 30 years of experience in the design, regulation and operation of drinking water facilities in New York State. In his current role, he oversees all treatment, transmission and storage facility operations in the City of Rochester, as well as the City’s NYS ELAP accredited laboratory. In addition to his duties supervising treatment and transmission operations, Mr. Rowley directs special projects related to water quality throughout the City’s distribution system. Mr. Rowley is actively involved in the New York Section of the American Water Works Association, having served on several committees, and the Executive Board. He has also shared his expertise on topics ranging from lead in drinking water to harmful algal blooms through presentations at Section events. MR. Rowley has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Rochester Institute of Technology, a professional engineer’s license in New York State, and an NYS Grade IA Operator Certification. He resides in Ontario County.
Process for Filling Vacancies
In accordance with Public Health (PBH) CHAPTER 45, ARTICLE 11, TITLE 1, § 1113. 1. and 2., the drinking water quality council (DWQC) is composed of twelve members, including eight members appointed by the governor, two of whom are recommended by the temporary president of the senate, and two of whom are recommended by the speaker of the assembly.
Of the eight members appointed to the DWQC by the governor, four are required by statute to be the NYSDOH commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, who is the chair of the council, the NYSDEC commissioner, or designee, a designee of the NYSDEC commissioner with expertise in water resources, and a designee of the NYSDOH commissioner with expertise in drinking water.
Of the four additional members appointed to the DWQC, the governor appoints one member to represents water purveyors, one member with a background or expertise in toxicology or health risk assessment, one member with a background or expertise in microbiology, and one member with a background or expertise in environmental engineering.
Of the four members appointed to the DWQC and recommended by the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly, the temporary president of the senate and the speaker of the assembly each recommend one member who represents water purveyors, and one member representing the public, who has a background or expertise in toxicology or health risk assessment.
Expenses and Reimbursement Information
PBH CHAPTER 45, ARTICLE 11, TITLE 1, § 1113. 3 requires that members of the drinking water quality council receive no compensation for their services. However, they are allowed reimbursement of their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The NYSDOH reimburses members’ travel expenses at standard government rates.
Member Expenses and Reimbursement
Expenses below are based on travel expenses between the member's home and meeting locations, typically Albany and Long Island.
| Member | Title & Affiliation | County of Residence | FY 2022-2023 Expenses | Est. FY 2023-2024 Expenses | Est. FY 2024-2025 Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| James V. McDonald, MD, MPH | Commissioner, New York State Department of Health | Albany County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Patrick Foster | Deputy Commissioner, Environmental Remediation and Materials Management, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation | New York County (Manhattan) | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Daniel Lang, MS, PG | Director, Division of Environmental Health Protection, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health | Rensselaer County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Alexander J. Smith, PhD | Assistant Division Director, Division of Water, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation | Saratoga County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Stanley Carey | Superintendent, Village of Garden City Water Department, Long Island Water Conference Member | Suffolk County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Michelle Crimi, PhD | Dean, Graduate School, Clarkson University; Acting Associate Vice Provost for Research & Technology Transfer, Clarkson University; Interim Vice Provost for Research & Technology; Professor of Environmental Engineering, Clarkson University | St. Lawrence County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Julie Herbstman, PhD | Professor, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University; Director, Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health; Director, Certificate Program in Molecular Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health | Somerset County, NJ | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Christopher N. Lake, MS | Director, Water Quality & Innovation, NYC Environmental Protection | Queens County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Lori Emery, MPA | Director, NYC Environmental Protection, Bureau of Water Supply, Water Quality & Innovation | Ulster County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Sarah Meyland, JD | Associate Professor, New York Institute of Technology | Suffolk County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| David A. Rowley, PE | Manager of Water Production, City of Rochester Water Bureau | Ontario County | $0.00 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
DWQC Meeting Expenses and Reimbursement
The DWQC aims to facilitate public access and participation at DWQC Meetings, therefore, meetings are typically held at two in-person locations, typically in Albany and Long Island, and are broadcast live via webcast. Meetings are located at sites that are easily access via public transportation, have parking available, and comply with the ADA. Public comments are received via email, in-person at the meetings, and via teleconference during the meetings.
| Meeting Expenses | FY 2022-2023 Expenses | Est. FY 2023-2024 Expenses | Est. FY 2024-2025 Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting Room Rental & Location Services | $7,895.00 | $10,000.00 | $10,000.00 |
| Webcasting & Online Meeting Services | $5,314.00 | $11,000.00 | $11,000.00 |
Past Meetings
| Date | Location | Webcast |
|---|---|---|
| December 16, 2025 | Empire State Plaza Concourse, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 Long Island Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553 |
Webcast |
| June 24, 2025 | Empire State Plaza Concourse, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 Long Island Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553 |
Webcast |
| December 17, 2024 | Empire State Plaza Concourse, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 Long Island Marriott Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553 |
Webcast |
| June 17, 2024 | Empire State Plaza Concourse, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 | Webcast |
| November 3, 2023 | Empire State Plaza Concourse, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 Long Island Marriott Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553 |
Webcast |
| June 28, 2023 | Empire State Plaza Concourse, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 Long Island Marriott Marriott, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553 |
Webcast |
| Monday, May 2, 2022 | Albany Capital Center, 2nd Floor, 55 Eagle St, Albany, NY 12210 and Long Island Marriott, Skylight Suite, 101 James Doolittle Blvd, Uniondale, NY 11553 |
Webcast |
| Thursday, March 10, 2022 | Live Webcast due to COVID-19 | Webcast |
| Tuesday, December 22, 2021 | Live Webcast due to COVID-19 | Webcast |
| Tuesday, October 5, 2021 | Live Webcast due to COVID-19 | Webcast |
| Tuesday, December 8, 2020 | Live Webcast due to COVID-19 | Webcast |
| Wednesday, February 4, 2020 | The Albany Capital Center, Meeting Room 1A, 55 Eagle Street, Albany, NY 12210 | Webcast |
| Wednesday, October 16, 2019 | Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 4, Albany, NY 12242 | Webcast |
| Tuesday, December 18, 2018 | Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 | Webcast |
| Wednesday, October 17, 2018 | Public Service Commission Board Room, 4th Floor, 90 Church Street, New York, NY 10007 | Webcast |
| Monday, Feb. 26, 2018 | Baruch College, William and Anita Newman Conference Center, Room 750, 151 East 25th Street, New York, NY 10007 | Webcast |
| Wednesday, November 29, 2017 | Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza, Meeting Room 6, Albany, NY 12242 | Webcast |
| Monday, October 2, 2017 | SUNY Stony Brook, 100 Nicolls Rd Stony Brook, NY 11790 | Webcast |
