 This spring, the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7) will host its first-ever educational training for drinking water treatment operators, marking an important milestone in the Council’s efforts to strengthen local knowledge, coordination, and resilience in drinking water protection. The training, scheduled during Hudson 7’s Annual Water Operators Appreciation Week on May 29, is designed specifically for Hudson 7 drinking water operators in the Towns of Lloyd, Esopus, Hyde Park; the Village of Rhinebeck; and City and Town of Poughkeepsie - and coincides with the seventh anniversary of the Hudson 7's formation. The session will provide a deep dive into the day-to-day and seasonal changes in the Hudson River, and how those shifts directly influence water treatment processes. This knowledge is critical for operators managing our region’s drinking water systems using the Hudson River as its source, especially as climate patterns shift, infrastructure ages, and source water challenges grow more complex. The Hudson River is a tidal estuary - a living, moving system whose characteristics can vary. These fluctuations, while natural, can present real-time challenges for the operators responsible for delivering clean, safe drinking water to more than 100,000 people. This specialized training will cover topics such as:
The session will be led by Hudson 7 Technical Advisors Randy Alstadt, Plant Administrator of the Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Facility (PWTF), and Dorothy DiNobile, PWTF Laboratory Director. Both bring decades of experience and deep familiarity with the Hudson River’s unique characteristics as a drinking water source. Adding to the significance of the event, the New York State Department of Health has officially approved the session for 4.0 contact hours (0.4 CEUs) for attendees. This designation recognizes the training’s value in supporting continuing education and professional development for our water operators. As the Hudson 7 continues its mission to protect the Hudson River as a vital drinking water source, this first training event represents a broader commitment to shared learning and regional coordination.  Photo credit: Scenic Hudson The New York Section of the American Water Works Association (NYSAWWA) is proud to announce that Randy Alstadt, Superintendent of the Poughkeepsie Water Treatment Facility (PWTF), has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Recognition for Service to the Water Profession Award. This prestigious award honors individuals, groups, or organizations who have made significant contributions to the water supply profession. With a distinguished 24-year career at PWTF, Randy Alstadt has been a leader in water quality management and environmental protection, safeguarding the drinking water of over 100,000 residents across the Hudson Valley. A Professional Engineer and certified 1A Operator, Randy’s leadership includes serving as a founding member of the Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7), a council dedicated to protecting the Hudson River as a critical drinking water source. In light of AWWA’s latest national survey, which identifies source water protection as top concern for the water industry, Randy has been at the forefront of this effort, championing source water protection on the Hudson. His decision to eliminate the use of chloramines at the facility in 2010 is just one example of his steadfast commitment to public health and safety. Randy’s legacy also includes spearheading major infrastructure improvements, such as the facility’s ongoing ozone treatment project, which will ensure clean and safe water for future generations. “Randy’s impact on drinking water safety and environmental stewardship will be felt for years to come,” said Jenny Ingrao-Aman, Executive Director of NYSAWWA. “His dedication and leadership have elevated the standard for water professionals throughout New York State. We are honored to celebrate his contributions to the profession and the communities he has served.” “We are thrilled Randy has been chosen for this distinction. It’s so well earned,” said City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Yvonne Flowers. “Randy is the consummate professional, recognized among his peers as a water quality management expert. Poughkeepsie also is recognized as a national leader in water filtration. Randy has worked collaboratively for decades, including with the Hudson 7, a group of Mid-Hudson municipalities that draw drinking water from the Hudson River and can speak with one voice about Hudson concerns. We are grateful to Randy and to the New York Section of the American Water Works Association for bestowing this prestigious award on him.” “It’s been an honor to work with Randy, whose outstanding leadership at the Joint Water Plant has benefited Town and City residents, over the years, in myriad ways.” said Town of Poughkeepsie Supervisor Rebecca Edwards. “His role in helping to found and guide Hudson 7 was one of his standout contributions. I will miss him sorely but congratulate him on his retirement and wish him all the very best.” "Randy has been a leader and innovator in water quality testing, using Hudson River water as a drinking source.” said Village of Rhinebeck Mayor Gary Basset and chair of the Hudson 7. “His expertise has driven significant improvements, and his willingness to share his knowledge with all seven communities of the Hudson 7 has been invaluable.” “Randy Alstadt’s expertise and dedication have been essential to the transformative success of the Hudson 7 since local leaders launched it with Riverkeeper’s support in 2018,” said Dan Shapley, Riverkeeper’s Senior Director for Advocacy Policy and Planning. “The Hudson 7 has prompted a paradigm shift, ensuring that drinking water is a focus of decision-making about the Hudson River and its watershed. Randy has had an outsized role in that achievement.” Randy will be recognized at the Annual New York Water Event, hosted by NYSAWWA from April 15-17, 2025 in Saratoga Springs, NY. The conference is a cornerstone gathering for over 900 water professionals from across the state. It will feature cutting-edge sessions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, emerging contaminants, lead and copper compliance, source water protection, and more. The event will also include water-based competitions and a new educational track designed for local elected officials to gain insights into drinking water management. The New York Water Event is widely regarded as a highlight of the year for the water industry, offering unparalleled networking, professional development, and knowledge-sharing opportunities. For more information about NYSAWWA and the New York Water Event, visit www.nysawwa.org. |
Hudson 7 adminRebecca Martin, Source Water Protection Coordinator Archives
April 2025
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