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Residents of The Woodlands at Cairo Apartments are being urged to continue using bottled water after tests show unsafe levels of lead and copper contamination are still present—and actually increasing—in the complex's water supply.
Greene County officials issued a second public health advisory on Friday for the apartment complex located on Gina Marie Avenue in Cairo. The advisory comes after water samples consistently revealed contamination exceeding safe drinking water standards, according to NEWS10.
The contamination issue was first identified in July 2025 when more than 10 percent of water samples collected from the complex exceeded action levels for lead and copper. Since that initial advisory, county officials report that contamination levels have actually increased.
"At this time, the source of the contamination is unknown," the county stated in its advisory. The New York State Department of Health Environmental District Office is leading the investigation to identify and resolve the issue.
Health officials are particularly concerned about vulnerable populations. County officials specifically advise pregnant women, children under 18 years of age, and individuals with Wilson's Disease to avoid tap water from the complex entirely and use bottled water instead.
The Woodlands at Cairo Apartments contains approximately 40 units and has been owned by Woodlands At Cairo, LLC since 2023, according to county records.
Health experts warn that exposure to lead in drinking water can cause serious health effects across all age groups. Infants and children may experience decreased IQ and attention span, while adults face increased risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney or nervous system problems.
Residents are being advised that boiling water does not remove lead or copper and can actually concentrate these metals further. Instead, the apartment complex recommends using water filters, running cold water for at least 30 seconds before use, and cleaning faucet aerators regularly.
For updates on the advisory, residents can visit the Greene County Public Health Department's website or call (518) 719-3600.