The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is preparing for a five-year study into the long-term effects of a toxic chemical found in Newburgh’s water supply.

In May 2016, the Newburgh reservoir Lake Washington tested for the chemical PFOS. Since then, thousands of residents have been found to have blood levels of the chemical that exceed the national average.

The $7 million study will seek to determine the exposure risks of the chemical.

In the meantime, the Department of Health will also be conducting a study into Newburgh’s cancer rates.