May 31, 2026, marks the eighth anniversary of the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we are proud to host our third annual Drinking Water Professionals Appreciation Week from May 26–29.

​This year and going forward, we are updating the name of our annual event from “Water Operators Appreciation Week” to “Drinking Water Professionals Appreciation Week” to better reflect the full range of people who keep our water systems running. While water operators play a central and highly visible role, safe and reliable drinking water depends on a broader team, including maintenance staff, mechanics, lab technicians and administrative staff.

This year’s theme, “Going Above and Beyond: Hudson 7’s Drinking Water Professionals Appreciation Week—Stories from the Field,” highlights stories of tenacity, hard work, and quiet dedication from the professionals who keep our water systems running every day. Together, these teams routinely go beyond what is required because they are deeply committed to protecting the Hudson River as a source of drinking water. This week, we’re spotlighting staff from our Hudson 7 public water treatment plant partners and recognizing their commitment to providing reliable service to our communities.

Their efforts safeguard drinking water for more than 107,000 people across the region, as these professionals serve their individual communities and, together, form Hudson 7—demonstrating how their collective impact is greater than the sum of its parts. Whether responding to challenges in real time, maintaining critical systems, or ensuring water quality under demanding conditions, these teams exemplify what it means to go above and beyond every day.

Today’s spotlight: Joe Marcinelli, Head Maintenance Mechanic (Poughkeespies' Water Treatment Facility)

Can you tell us about a time when you had to go “above and beyond” to protect water quality or keep your system running? What happened, and what did it require of you at that moment?
​On January 22, 2014, the operator on duty called down to maintenance that the low lift pumps had dropped out, meaning there was no flow registering on the meters bringing water to the plant. We went to the low lift to investigate what the problem could be. When I opened the low lift well, I yelled out, “The well has gone dry!” I discovered there was no water in the well, something that had never been seen before or expected, since the Hudson River is what fills the well. It was a very concerning time because no water was getting to the pumps, so the plant could not make any drinking water. We began trying to figure out what may have happened to our intakes, and it was discovered that a phenomenon called "Frazil" ice had occurred. This type of ice forms when water is supercooled by wind and becomes heavier than water, causing it to sink. The ice was clogging our intake line.  I came up with the idea to blow compressed air out of the intake to try and push the ice out. Lo and behold, the compressed air did the trick. After a few hours, the plant was back online and making drinking water again.

​What’s something about your job that most people don’t see or understand, but is critical to keeping drinking water safe?
Our plant runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  There is a lot that the maintenance department does to make sure the operators can make drinking water.  We oversee chemical deliveries to make sure they are done safely.  We make sure the facility is safe by implementing security and safety measures to plowing in the winter.  Most importantly we make sure the equipment is working.  We are called when equipment isn’t working no matter the weather or time of day.  Weekend and middle of the night calls happen.  We come in to make sure the plant can get back to making water as soon as possible.  

What motivates you to do this work—especially on the tough days when the job demands more than expected?
For me, it is the taxpayers and the staff.  I think taxpayers deserve good drinking water and I like being part of that process.  I also think the staff here is amazing.  I always say that if you put this staff in the middle of a desert, with all the knowledge and experience each one brings, we would be able to work together to make good quality H2O.  

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).

The Hudson 7 celebrated its six-year anniversary with a tour of the Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility (PWTF) located on the Marist College campus in the City of Poughkeepsie.  More than 27 people joined Hudson 7 council members that included water operators from the Town of Esopus, Village of Rhinebeck, City and Town of Poughkeepsie, staff from state agencies and non-government organizations and members of the public.