Members of the Nature Conservancy is spreading awareness about the water crisis in New York by asking for donations and updating residents on the latest issues concerning safe drinking water and availability in the state.

Water Crisis Efforts

The Nature Conservancy pushes people to be active in the fight against the water crisis and other environmental issues by making contributions through its nature.org website.

“When you make a tax-deductible donation to The Nature Conservancy, you’re supporting the most effective solutions to the environment’s most pressing challenges,” the website reads. “No other nonprofit has done more to advance conservation around the world. That’s why your contribution is so much more than charity, it’s an investment in the future of our planet.”

The site tells you that donations starting at a $10 minimum, helps to “advance science, foster collaboration, make a global impact, shape practical policies and safeguard nature.”

Water Crisis in New York

New York State residents filed a suit for one issue regarding the water crisis, where they revealed blood test results showing that they have chemicals in their body that links to certain forms of cancer.

The PFOA Facebook Page is a public group for people wanting to join the cause. Residents used social media to spread awareness of the water crisis, even showing images of six-year-old children affected by contaminated water. PFOA stands for the cancer chemical perfluorooctanoic acid.

Studies show that PFOA can be linked to kidney and testicular cancer. It is also linked to thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. Residents in New York State have shown levels of PFOA that are 10 times higher than the general population, the state Health Department told the New York Daily News.

Support for Water Crisis

Last year, residents in upstate New York went 10 consecutive days without water because of a main break, adding to the water crisis issues in the state. Environmental advocates said that the government needed to invest more money into waste-water management and the New York drinking water system.

Extreme weather and increase of rainfall due to climate change is one of the main causes of the water crisis in New York and other parts of the U.S.

Environmental organizations drafted a report at the time, warning the state that NYS needs direct and immediate support in fixing the water crisis. Some of the organizations included Environmental Advocates, the New York League of Conservation Voters and the Adirondack Council.