It was a momentous occasion in the village of Hoosick Falls.

More than a decade after per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances were discovered in the small community’s drinking water, two new wells, a pump house and a mile-long pipeline carrying the water to it’s existing treatment plant were authorized to startrunning.

“We were a community experiencing disaster and tonight we celebrate another milestone in our village’s recovery,” Hoosick Falls Mayor Rob Allen said.

PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," are used by manufacturers and in consumer products like non-stick cookware and firefighting foam. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked them to cancer and other adverse health effects.

“A lot of friendships have been made, and we really bonded together well and worked for a common goal to get to this point,” lifelong village resident Michael Hickey said.

After his father’s passing due to kidney cancer in 2013 and other illnesses impacting his neighbors, Hickey began researching what the cause could be and discovered the contamination.

“I think he’d be incredibly proud," Hickey said. "He was a bus driver, so it was all about the kids and the community and making sure it was safe for future generations. And I think that’s what we’ve accomplished.”

Multi-million dollar settlements involving four local manufacturers responsible for the contamination have helped the village rebuild its water system, which has proven to provide clean drinking water.

“We probably have the most tested water anywhere in the United States and as a village resident myself, I don’t hesitate to drink the water right out of the tap every day,” town of Hoosick Supervisor Mark Surdam said.

Allen, who oversaw most of the fight, marked his final day on the job in perhaps the most fitting way.

“I want to thank all of the families of our village’s elected officials and our village employees. They are the ones picking up the pieces and taking on more work so we can do our important work for our village,” he said.