​On June 11, the Hudson 7 unanimously passed a resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (Senate Bill 1464 / Assembly Bill 1749).

This important legislation would require packaging producers, not taxpayers, to cover the costs of managing plastic packaging waste. It is a critical step toward reducing plastic pollution, increasing recycling rates, reducing toxic materials in packaging, protecting public health and drinking water, and saving local governments and taxpayers millions of dollars.

Packaging accounts for approximately 40% of New York’s waste stream, much of which is made up of non-recyclable plastics containing harmful chemicals such as PFAS and phthalates. Microplastics and these associated chemicals have been detected in drinking water sources across the state, raising serious health concerns. The Hudson River, a vital drinking water source for over 100,000 people, has also been found to contain these pollutants.

Hudson 7 is a coalition of five public water systems representing seven municipalities and two counties, all of which depend on the Hudson River as their primary drinking water source. Our mission is to work collaboratively to protect this critical resource for the communities we serve.

We support the passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and urge legislative leaders to prioritize and advance this critical legislation.

The Hudson 7 celebrated seven years of collaborative stewardship on May 29, working to protect drinking water for over 100,000 Hudson Valley residents. To mark the occasion, the Hudson 7 unveiled its Draft Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2) Plan at the historic Cornell Boathouse on Marist College’s campus. This marks a major step toward ensuring the long-term safety and sustainability of the region’s shared water source: the Hudson River estuary.

Established in 2018, the Hudson 7 represents seven municipalities from Dutchess and Ulster Counties that draw drinking water directly from the Hudson River. The council is a statewide recognized model for intermunicipal cooperation focused on source water protection.
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“After many years of hard work and collaboration, weare proud to share the draft of our DWSP2 Plan - a roadmap to safeguarding our drinking water in the face of new and growing threats,” said Mayor Gary Bassett (Village of Rhinebeck) and Chair of the Hudson 7. “This is not just a document; it’s a call to action for continued collaboration across sectors and communities.”

The DWSP2 Plan identifies risks to the Hudson 7’s source water,  including contamination from industrial activity and climate change, and outlines practical, science-based strategies to mitigate them. It was developed in collaboration with municipal partners, state agencies, and community stakeholders, with support from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Department of Health (DOH).​

Photo Credit: Dan Shapley

As part of today’s celebration, the Hudson 7 also hosted a special educational session, “How River Changes Affect Treatment,” in partnership with the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility (PWTF) led by Dottie DiNobile and Randy Alstadt, providing Hudson 7 drinking water operators with insights into how shifts in river conditions impact water quality and treatment approaches.

The Hudson 7 sincerely thanks the supporting municipalities and counties, and extends special appreciation to Riverkeeper for its key role in helping establish the council in 2018 and for generously sponsoring the council’s anniversary events. They also thank the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Health (DOH) for their valuable support for the Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2), an essential initiative to protect the Hudson River as a vital drinking water source for communities. For more information about the Hudson 7 and to learn about the DWSP2 draft plan, visit: https://bit.ly/4jjAyRA

“This past year has once again been a productive and positive experience working with and alongside the Hudson 7,” said Nick Butler, Water and Sewer Superintendent for the Town of Esopus. “As I reflect on our accomplishments, the wealth of information and networking opportunities available to Water Operators within the Hudson 7 community stands out as especially valuable. These connections have led to the development of new relationships and the identification of shared services - truly outstanding.”

“We deeply appreciate the support of the Hudson 7 and the leadership of our municipal partners,” said Jonathan Churins, Executive Director of Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority. “This collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver safe and reliable water services to the communities we serve along the Hudson River.”
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The dedication of the Hudson 7 reinforces the vital role our operators play every day,” said Thomas Legrand, Chairman of the Board of Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority. “We’re proud to work together in protecting public health and safeguarding one of our region’s most critical resources.”

“I am proud of this partnership and the status we have achieved in being an effective advocate for a healthy Hudson River ensuring the quality of our drinking water,” said Elizabeth Spinzia, Supervisor of the Town of Rhinebeck. “Together we have been able to map out a plan for continuing our work in the future” 

“The Hudson 7’s work has resulted in a paradigm shift in the region, making the protection of drinking water a high priority,” said Dan Shapley, Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy and Planning, Riverkeeper. “The completion of its draft Drinking Water Source Protection Plan is an historic first: While there have been many actions over decades to protect the river, never before has drinking water protection been the explicit focus of such a plan. Riverkeeper is proud to have played a role in founding and supporting the Hudson 7, and in drafting this first-of-its-kind plan.”  
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About the Hudson 7: The Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7) is a partnership of seven municipalities and two counties - including the Town and City of Poughkeepsie, Town and Village of Rhinebeck, Towns of Esopus, Hyde Park, Lloyd and Ulster and Dutchess Counties -  working together to protect the source of drinking water drawn from the Hudson River for over 100,000 residents.

About Riverkeeper: Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards drinking water supplies, through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science and law. 

May 31, 2025, marks the seventh anniversary of the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we’re proud to host our second annual Water Operator Appreciation Week from May 26–30. This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Honoring Hudson 7’s Water Operators and Shared Services,” highlights the vital collaboration among water professionals and their essential role in protecting public health and providing safe, clean drinking water.

Each day this week, we’re spotlighting one of the five public water treatment plants along the Hudson River estuary and recognizing a dedicated team member whose work ensures reliable service to our communities. Today’s spotlight: Town of Esopus Water and Sewer Superintendent Nick Butler.

Serving approximately 4,500 residents through 1,500 service connections, the Port Ewen Water District draws its drinking water directly from the Hudson River. Water is treated at the Roger Mabie Water Treatment Plant on River Road in Ulster Park, then distributed throughout the district, including to a 2-million-gallon storage facility at its southern end.

Nick Butler has been an active member of Hudson 7 since 2020. He plays a key role in the council - as a voting member, committee participant, and hands-on expert. Known for his thoughtful, solutions-focused approach, Nick is a trusted leader in safeguarding the Hudson River as a vital drinking water source.

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Where are you from and how did you get started in your career as a drinking water? 
I’m from Wappingers Falls, NY, and got into drinking water in 2017 after leaving the military, and I wasn’t sure what was next. I had been a cop and firearms instructor, but I didn’t want to continue in law enforcement as a civilian. I asked Some of my buddies who worked with a private water main replacement company, and they liked the job. I applied, got a call the next day, and that’s how I started. I worked in both water and sewer, but the sewer side wasn’t for me. I was 37 when I started, and learned a lot from experienced operators. It’s been a solid path since.

How long have you been working at the Town of Esopus drinking water plant? 
I’ve been the Water Superintendent in Esopus since June 2021. Before that, I worked for about three years with the Town of Newburgh as a water operator. I got into the field in 2017 through the Camo Pollution Control, and later trained at SUNY Ulster, attending classes two nights a week. I went on to earn four NYS water licenses. I took the job in Esopus to make a bigger impact and be part of something meaningful.
 
How has the Hudson 7 been supportive of your plant, and what have you learned through collaborating with the others using the river as a drinking water source.
When I started working for the Town of Esopus, I had the opportunity to train with Don Kiernan (the former Water/Sewer Superintendent in the Town of Esopus, and member of Hudson 7), who introduced me to the Hudson 7. Once I began attending meetings, I was struck by how much ground the group covered - addressing critical issues like CSX train bridges, the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE), and raw water protection. It’s a unique and powerful network of river-based water systems, and I’ve never seen anything like it. We’re not just individual municipalities working in isolation - we share knowledge, coordinate responses, and support each other in tackling large-scale challenges. I take what I learn at Hudson 7 meetings back to my team, break it down, and use it to keep communication clear and everyone informed. It’s helped us stay proactive. With CHPE, for instance, we were ready—with talking points, a strategy, and a unified voice - thanks to Hudson 7. At the end of the day, it’s about protecting our drinking water and serving our communities - and we’re stronger when we work together.

About the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7): The Hudson 7 is a collaboration of the mid-Hudson municipalities and counties that draw drinking water from the Hudson River Estuary for more than 100,000 people in the Town of Esopus, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Lloyd, Town and City of Poughkeepsie, Town and Village of Rhinebeck located in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. These communities are served by five drinking water treatment plants that utilize Hudson River water, operated by the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Village of Rhinebeck (for the Village and Town of Rhinebeck), Town of Esopus, Town of Lloyd and Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (for Hyde Park).

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May 31, 2025, marks the seventh anniversary of the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we're hosting our second annual Water Operator Appreciation Week from May 27 - 30. This year's theme, "Stronger Together: Honoring Hudson 7’s Water Operators and Shared Services," highlights the essential role of water professionals and their collaboration in delivering clean, safe drinking water.  Each day, we’ll feature one of Hudson 7’s five public water treatment plants and spotlight a dedicated team member.

Today, we recognize the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facilities (PWTF) in the City of Poughkeepsie and Licensed Water Operator Shane Hunt Sr. The PWTF, jointly owned by the City and Town of Poughkeepsie and located on the Marist College campus, serves 80,000 residents in several communities with their primary drinking water. The facility holds monthly joint board meetings - details and minutes are available at www.pokwater.com.

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Where are you from and how did you get started in your career as a drinking water operator? 
I grew up in Wappingers Falls, NY, and have lived in Hyde Park, NY for the past eight years with my wife and three sons. My water career began in 2011 when I worked for Severn Trent Services and earned my Grade C Water License. In 2013, I joined JCO Inc., a private water and wastewater company, where I gained extensive experience operating multiple treatment plants and earned my Grade 2A Wastewater License at SUNY Ulster. While I valued my time at JCO Inc., I was ready to pursue greater opportunities, growth, and job security.

How long have you been working at the City of Poughkeepsie drinking water plant? 
While working on my Grade 2A Water License, I decided to take the civil service exam for the City of Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Operator. The timing was incredible - the same week my wife gave birth to our second son and we closed on our first home in Hyde Park, NY, I started working at the Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Facility in 2017.

You recently earned your Grade 1A license (congratulations!). What was that process like, and what does this certification mean to you?
While in my current position, I wanted to advance my career by earning my Grade 1A Water License. With 10 years of water treatment experience already, the next step was completing the Grade 1 Advanced Operations course—a five-day program offered by the W2 Operator Training Group in Cortland, NY. I also completed a Supervisory Management course online through Michigan State University. The final step was a walkthrough with the Department of Health. Although the process took time, having the flexibility to complete the coursework at my own pace made it much more manageable. Earning my Grade 1A Water Treatment License has allowed me to grow professionally and deepen my expertise in the field.

There’s a growing movement to attract more people to careers in water operations. What advice would you offer to others entering or currently working in this field?
Water operations is one of the most essential yet often overlooked careers. As a Water Treatment Operator, you play a critical role in protecting the health and wellbeing of your community. It’s a meaningful, hands-on career with opportunities for growth and strong job security. For those already in the field, I encourage you to stay committed to ongoing training and career development. Together, we are the backbone of public health, and the future of clean water depends on dedicated professionals like us.
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About the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7): The Hudson 7 is a collaboration of the mid-Hudson municipalities and counties that draw drinking water from the Hudson River Estuary for more than 100,000 people in the Town of Esopus, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Lloyd, Town and City of Poughkeepsie, Town and Village of Rhinebeck located in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. These communities are served by five drinking water treatment plants that utilize Hudson River water, operated by the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Village of Rhinebeck (for the Village and Town of Rhinebeck), Town of Esopus, Town of Lloyd and Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (for Hyde Park).

May 31, 2025, marks the seventh anniversary of the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we're hosting our second annual Water Operator Appreciation Week from May 27 - 30. This year's theme, "Stronger Together: Honoring Hudson 7’s Water Operators and Shared Services," highlights the essential role of water professionals and their collaboration in delivering clean, safe drinking water.  Each day, we’ll feature one of Hudson 7’s five public water treatment plants and spotlight a dedicated team member.

Today, we recognize the Village of Rhinebeck water plant and Licensed Water Operator Thomas Mueller. Rhinebeck’s water system serves about 6,000 residents through 1,835 accounts in both the Village and Town of Rhinebeck. The system draws its water from the Hudson River and treats it at a modern facility located off Slate Dock Road in the Hamlet of Rhinecliff, just south of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. The plant is owned and operated by the Village of Rhinebeck under the oversight of the Dutchess County and New York State Departments of Health.

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Where are you from, and how did you get started in your career as a drinking water operator?
I was born right here in Rhinebeck - so you could say I’m as local as it gets. I went to school in Red Hook and have lived in the area my whole life, except for the four years I spent serving in the U.S. Air Force. Most of my career has been in the communications field, working in the installation and repair of cable TV, phone, and internet services. After being laid off due to downsizing at my previous job, I started looking for a new opportunity. That’s when the position at the Rhinebeck Water Treatment Plant came up - and it turned out to be a perfect fit.

How long have you been working at the Village of Rhinebeck drinking water plant?
I’ve now been working at the plant for 2 years and 7 months, and I truly enjoy the work.

You played an important role in identifying lead service lines in Rhinebeck’s water distribution system. Can you walk us through what that process involved and what your role was?
Having worked in Rhinebeck for the past 17 years, I’m very familiar with the streets, the community, and the general layout of the water distribution system. My experience in locating underground lines has been especially valuable when it comes to identifying water mains. In addition, my strong computer skills allowed me to take the lead on entering data for the lead service line inventory project, which is still ongoing.
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There’s a growing movement to attract more people to careers in water operations. What advice would you offer to others entering or currently working in this field?
Working in water treatment is a meaningful and rewarding career. I encourage anyone to explore this field - it plays a critical role in public health and will always need committed individuals to help ensure our communities have access to clean, safe water.

About the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7): The Hudson 7 is a collaboration of the mid-Hudson municipalities and counties that draw drinking water from the Hudson River Estuary for more than 100,000 people in the Town of Esopus, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Lloyd, Town and City of Poughkeepsie, Town and Village of Rhinebeck located in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. These communities are served by five drinking water treatment plants that utilize Hudson River water, operated by the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Village of Rhinebeck (for the Village and Town of Rhinebeck), Town of Esopus, Town of Lloyd and Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (for Hyde Park).

​In January, the Hudson 7 was honored to host Captain John Lipscomb, who recently retired after serving as Riverkeeper’s boat captain since 2000. Over the course of his career, John has dedicated himself to the protection and restoration of the Hudson River.

Growing up in Irvington and Tarrytown, John developed a deep connection to the river, learning to swim and sail in its waters. In the early 1970s, he began apprenticing with WWII-era boat builders at Petersen’s Boatyard in Nyack, where he gained expertise in the maintenance and repair of wooden boats. He worked in both wooden and fiberglass boat repair and as a rigger, eventually becoming General Manager of Petersen’s from 1991 to 2000.

As Riverkeeper’s boat captain, John patrolled the Hudson River aboard the “R. Ian Fletcher,” a 36-foot Chesapeake Bay-style wooden vessel. From April to December, he traveled between New York Harbor and Troy, covering 4,000 to 5,000 nautical miles and monitoring pollution, tributaries, and waterfront facilities.

During the recent Hudson River Anchorages campaign, John served as a technical advisor to the Hudson 7, where the council voiced its concerns about the Coast Guard’s proposed redefinition of the Port of New York. This redefinition raised significant issues regarding the safeguarding of drinking water sources and the environment due to potential risks of hazardous spills from vessels carrying substances such as diesel fuel or heating oil. These spills could spread with tidal movements, threatening clean drinking water for the seven communities along the river. Through their collective efforts alongside Riverkeeper, Congressmen Ryan, Molinaro, and Lawler introduced the Hudson River Protection Act, which seeks to permanently ban the creation of additional anchorages between Yonkers and Kingston. This legislation passed the House of Representatives and is set to go before the Senate in May 2024. The Hudson 7 will continue to closely monitor this issue in the years ahead.
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Captain Lipscomb joined the council to recommend three priority issues for the Hudson 7 to focus on in the coming years:

1. Area Contingency Planning and Spill Drills – Continuing efforts to ensure effective spill response strategies for local risks.
2. Leachate and Wastewater Treatment Plant Pollution – Addressing ongoing environmental challenges related to landfill leachate and wastewater treatment plant discharge into the river.
3. CSX Rail Bridges and Potential Spills – Assessing the risks associated with CSX-owned rail bridges and the potential for hazardous material spills.
   
   

Captain John’s wealth of knowledge and dedication to the river will continue to guide the Hudson 7 as we work toward safeguarding the Hudson River as a drinking water source and the communities that rely on it.

2024 has been a year of significant milestones for the Hudson 7.  We’ve achieved key objectives in our ongoing work, launched several new initiatives to strengthen support for Hudson 7 drinking water treatment plants, and solidified our position as a leading voice in advocating for improved water quality and the protection of the Hudson River as a drinking water source. These accomplishments reflect our dedication to ensuring clean drinking water for our communities, protecting our vital water resources, and addressing emerging challenges head-on.  None of this would have been possible without the continued support of our communities and partners. Thank you for your dedication and partnership. We look forward to what we can achieve together in the years ahead.  

We provided a full presentation in November to show the council's accomplishments in 2024 that is available to VIEW.  Below are some of the highlights.  

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our work, please contact us at: hudson7info (at) gmail.com.

Goal 1:  “Work with a lawyer to research and identify the appropriate non-profit structure and bylaws for the organization”

In 2024, the Hudson 7 created a task force to explore potential organizational structures and provide recommendations to the council for future direction. After a thorough evaluation, the task force concluded that the Hudson 7 should pursue the establishment of a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization while maintaining the existing joint municipal board structure under its Intermunicipal Agreement and Memorandum of Agreement. By late fall, all necessary paperwork was submitted to the state, setting the stage for the Hudson 7 to become its own 501(c)(3) organization in the coming year. This move aims to enhance the council’s ability to secure funding, expand its initiatives, and strengthen its commitment to protecting regional drinking water sources.

Goal 2: “Develop, evaluate and review all necessary policies and procedures for the Hudson 7 and its committees for the council to discuss and adopt.”

In 2024, the Hudson 7 enhanced its efforts to engage with the public and increase transparency. A public-facing motions document was created to showcase the council's activities and decisions since its inception in 2018, providing easy access to key moments in Hudson 7's history. Additionally, the Hudson 7 launched its presence on social media by creating Facebook and Instagram pages, accompanied by the development of a social media policy to guide communication and ensure consistency. These initiatives mark an important step in sharing vital updates and fostering public awareness of the council’s work to protect drinking water sources.

Goal 4:  “Develop a plan that includes communications, training sessions and shared services support for participating municipality’s drinking water operators.”

Supporting drinking water treatment plants and their operators remains the cornerstone of the Hudson 7's mission. In 2024, to celebrate its six-year anniversary, the Hudson 7 launched its first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week  in May. This initiative featured daily profiles of water plant operators from all five Hudson 7 water treatment plants, shining a spotlight on their essential contributions.

The council also updated its shared services document, expanding it to include not only equipment but also new categories like sampling, chemicals, training opportunities, and other resources such as conference rooms. Additionally, the Hudson 7 established a Water Treatment Plant Committee to address the unique challenges of treating water from the Hudson River. The committee is developing the first educational program specifically for Hudson 7 plant operators, offering credits and tailored training to enhance their expertise and collaboration.

Here are reflections from several of our Hudson 7 communities’ drinking water plant leaders and technical advisors on the impact the Hudson 7 has had in their communities. 

“The last 3.5 years as Superintendent, the Hudson 7 has helped bridge the gap between all 5 of its municipal members, specifically the ''Water Operators'' and ''Chief Operators/Superintendent's/Management''. Furthermore, my entire staff feel like they're part of a tighter knit community of water operators thanks to Hudson 7 scheduled & coordinated events.”   - Nicholas Butler, Superintendent, Port Ewen Water & Sewer

“The Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (DCWWA) has found the Hudson 7 to be an invaluable forum for learning and sharing knowledge among water professionals dedicated to the reliable provision of potable water. With the knowledge base and regulatory landscape constantly evolving, Hudson 7’s collaborative environment has been essential for keeping pace with best practices and ensuring the safety and sustainability of our water resources. For example, a recent facility tour sparked passionate conversations regarding coagulants best management practices and application rates during seasonal changes in surface water. These discussions were both enriching and rare to encounter outside of groups like Hudson 7, where shared insights lead to innovative solutions.”  - Jonathan Churins, Executive Director Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority

“Operators working together to operate plants more efficiently, improve knowledge, share experiences, and share resources is a dream come true for me, and I am thrilled that Hudson 7 is improving this cooperation. Educational requirements to obtain and maintain licenses are stringent and time-consuming. These requirements also have limited the number of licensed operators. The Hudson 7 plans to help operators meet those requirements by conducting classes on the unique challenges of treating Hudson River water. Hudson 7 has also developed lists of equipment that operators could share. These lists could help during emergencies and breakdowns of critical equipment. The Hudson 7 can coordinate emergency plans to help each other in the future. The Hudson 7 has collected emergency plans for all the plants, which is the first step in developing coordinated plans. Hudson 7 is definitely the catalyst to bring opportunities to all the operators of the Hudson 7”   - Paul E. Malmrose, PE, Engineering Technical Advisor

Goal 5:  “Create outreach and education materials such as a presentation about the Hudson 7’s accomplishments to date, importance for the water supply, and priorities, to ensure that member communities and other collaborators are well informed about the work and value of the council.”

This year, the Hudson 7 created a Fact Sheet to help onboard new council members and engage the public, providing a clear overview of the council’s mission and ongoing initiatives. 

Goal 6:  “Complete the map of the Hudson River Drinking Water watershed including known threats and concerns to be adopted by each municipality and included in a new source water assessment.”

In 2019, with the support of Tighe & Bond and sponsorship from the Town of Esopus, the Hudson 7 communities submitted an application to participate in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2). This effort aimed to create a comprehensive source water protection plan for the Hudson 7, building on the 2017 Scorecard report developed in collaboration with Riverkeeper. All five Hudson 7 communities with drinking water intakes were selected to participate in the DWSP2 program by the NYSDEC. After years of dedicated effort, the Hudson 7 submitted its draft DWSP2 plan to New York State for review and approval. The council looks forward to presenting the plan to all Hudson 7 communities to collaboratively safeguard the Hudson River as a vital drinking water source.

Goal 8a: CHPE Committee: Successfully influencing the CHPE route at a safe distance from drinking water intakes. 

Along with the Hudson 7’s Proposed Testing & Monitoring Protocols, and a pair of studies assessing the impacts of the underwater transmission line, the Hudson 7 played a pivotal role in influencing the cable route of the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) transmission able to ensure it was located at a safe distance from the Hudson 7 drinking water intakes, protecting this vital resource. After years of dedicated efforts and success, the Hudson 7 developed a detailed timeline of Hudson 7 developed a detailed timeline of events that outlines the council’s consistent and focused efforts to ensure drinking water protections throughout the CHPE process within the section of the river that supplies drinking water to Hudson 7 communities.