 Photo Credit: Rebecca Martin 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. “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.” 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.” 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. ### 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).  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. ### 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. 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).  Dottie DiNobile, PWTF Laboratory Director and Hudson 7 Technical Advisor 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.  Five dozen "Hudson 7" donuts for all in celebration thanks to Diane Reeder of the Kingston Candy Bar.  Randy Alstadt, Plant Administrator provides a 90-minute tour of the PWTF.  Paul Malmrose, Hudson 7 Technical Advisor (Engineering)  Devin Rigolino, Dutchess County Planning and Development and Vice Chair of the Hudson 7.  May 31, 2024 marks the sixth anniversary for the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we are launching our first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week (May 27 - 31), to provide a unique opportunity to recognize our water treatment professionals, the communities that they serve and the vital role that clean water plays in our daily lives. We are also hosting a tour of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility on the Marist College Campus that is open to the public on Friday, May 31 at 10am. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’re interested in attending.
The Hudson 7 has five water treatment plants within its watershed located in the Hudson River estuary. Each day this week, we will feature one of these facilities and highlight a member of their staff whose work is essential in protecting public health. Their participation in the Hudson 7 is central to our mission, and their guidance is critical in helping us to protect the Hudson River as a drinking water supply to more than 100,000 people. Today, we turn the spotlight on the Town of Lloyd’s Highland Water District, located in Ulster County and Adam Litman, who serves as Water and Sewer Administrator. The Highland Water District system serves around 10,000 people through 1,913 service connections. Their water sources are the Hudson River and four upland reservoirs. One horizontal and two vertical wells, drilled into the Illinois Mountain are used as supplemental sources for their reservoirs. The reservoirs and wells are located behind the John Jankiewicz Water plant at 2 Thomas Rizzo Boulevard in Highland. We are pleased that Adam was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. What is your title and what do you do? How long have you been in your position? I am the Water/Sewer Administrator in the Town of Lloyd. What do I do? That’s a tough one to answer. The employees and I do it all. But myself, I am responsible for the administration of three departments. 1. (The Town of Lloyd Water Department), IA-SW/GUI Filtration Plant and the employees. 2. (The Town of Lloyd Wastewater Treatment Plant), Grade III, Fixed Film Process and the employees. 3. (The Town of Lloyd Road Crew) collections and distribution systems and the employees. I’ve been employed by the Town of Lloyd Water & Sewer Districts since October of 2004 and my career started in Wastewater. I have been in the Administrative position since March 2012. How did you come to choose a career in drinking water? The career chose me! In my late 20’s I was a hub manager for a small trucking company, I worked a lot of hours and was paid well but the job had no meaning behind it, just a paycheck. I had begun applying for work at the Town of Lloyd Highway Department because I wanted to work for the Town I lived in. After two years of trying at the Highway Department a friend told me the Water Department was hiring. At the time I had never thought of applying. So I did. I had no experience in, or any idea of what a job like this might consist of but I was excited. After the application process and a few inquiring phone calls I was told the position was filled, my heart sank, but they informed me that a position was open at the Wastewater. What, where, well maybe. So I gave it a shot and I am glad I did. What do you appreciate about your job? I appreciate all the opportunities this career has provided. What advice do you have for young people considering the same career? If you love life, people and the environment and are willing to learn, there are endless opportunities in these fields. ### 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, 2024 marks the sixth anniversary of the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we are launching our first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week (May 27 - 31) in order to bring public awareness to the important role of our water treatment plant professionals. We are also hosting a tour of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility on the Marist College Campus that is open to the public on Friday, May 31 at 10am. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’re interested in attending.
Each day this week, we will feature one of the five public water treatment plants located in the Hudson River estuary, and highlight a member of their staff dedicated to ensuring the delivery of clean, reliable and high quality drinking water to the communities that they serve. Today, we turn the spotlight on the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (DCWWA) - Hyde Park System located in Dutchess County and Richard Winchester, the Director of Operations. Unlike the other drinking water plants within the Hudson 7 watershed, the DCWWA is a public benefit corporation that was established in 1991 by the act of the State at the request of Dutchess County. The authority provides drinking water for nearly 22,000 people throughout Dutchess county including the Town of Hyde Park, a voting member of the Hudson 7. The DCWWA-Hyde Park water system’s water source is the Hudson River, and serves approximately 6,928 persons through 1,258 service connections. The facility is a conventional filtration plant that consists of a raw water pumping station located by the main treatment plant. The raw water station pumps water from the Hudson River to the treatment facility approximately one-half mile away. We were very happy that Richard was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. What is your title and what do you do? How long have you been in your position? I am the Director of Operations for the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority. We own and operate 18 drinking water treatment and distribution systems as well as 8 wastewater collection and treatment systems. My role is to oversee operations across all 26 systems, which involves training and managing new operators, working with engineers to design system improvements, corresponding with regulatory agencies, and managing budgets for the systems to provide dependable water treatment services. I have held my current position for 6 years and have been in the field for 32 years in total. How many people do you provide drinking water for in your community? Our drinking water systems serve around 22,000 people. How did you come to choose a career in drinking water? I wanted a career in which I could use my mechanical skills to help people in my community. It’s often taken for granted, but someone needs to be there to make sure that drinking water is safe and reliable. In my role, I also work with wastewater treatment systems, which gives me an opportunity to help protect the environment in addition to public health. What do you appreciate about your job? I enjoy creative problem-solving, and there are lots of opportunities for that as an operator and as a manager. I also appreciate sharing my knowledge and experience with a new generation of operators. There is also a lot of job security since people will always need drinking water. What advice do you have for young people considering the same career? There is a position for every skill set and experience level in water treatment. Every new operator runs into a part of the field that they find appealing, whether it’s the mechanics, the chemistry, the reporting, or something else. The most important thing is to be open to learning and being committed to doing your best work. My advice is to remember that people are depending on you and your work is important, but you aren’t in it alone. There’s a huge field of dedicated professionals who are ready and willing to help you improve, so be open to asking questions. ### 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, 2024 marks the sixth anniversary of the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we are launching our first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week (May 27 - 31) in order to bring public awareness to the important role of our water treatment plant professionals. We are also hosting a tour of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility on the Marist College Campus that is open to the public on Friday, May 31 at 10am. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’re interested in attending.
Each day this week, we will feature one of the five public water treatment plants located in the Hudson River estuary, and highlight a member of their staff dedicated to ensuring the delivery of clean, reliable and high quality drinking water to the communities that they serve. Today, we turn the spotlight on the Town of Esopus’s Port Ewen Water District, located in Ulster County and Tim Byron, Senior Water Treatment Plant Operator. The Port Ewen Water district serves a population of around 4500 people and has 1500 service connections that are supplied by surface water from the Hudson River, its primary and currently its only drinking water source. The Roger Mabie Water Treatment Plant where drinking water is processed is located at 131 River Road in Ulster Park and is pumped into the distribution system and a 2-million gallon water storage facility located at the southern end of the district. We were very happy that Tim was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. What is your title and what do you do? How long have you been in your position? I am a Water Treatment Plant Operator at the Port Ewen Water Treatment Plant in the Town of Esopus. I have been in the drinking water business for 20 years, and have worked for the town of Esopus for 19 years. How did you come to choose a career in drinking water? I became interested in the drinking water field after some conversations with my wife's uncle Bob. He worked for a large water company at the time, and told me about the fine career he had made for himself. The job security and constant need for clean drinking water were two of the factors that convinced me to give it a chance. My first job in the field was working for Camo Pollution Control in Wappingers Falls, NY. When a position opened up at the Port Ewen Plant one year later, I jumped on the opportunity to work closer to home. What do you appreciate about your job? I appreciate many things about my job. Having a reliable job that is consistent day in and day out is certainly important to me! Running the daily operations of the treatment plant, while maintaining the buildings / grounds of the property, always provide enough work to keep us busy. Here in the town of Esopus, the water department is involved in reading meters, marking water and sewer lines in our district, maintaining and repairing the water and sewer distribution systems as well as running the water plant. My coworkers and boss are always willing to provide me with help whenever I need it, and are a pleasure to work with. When I get overwhelmed at times, all it takes is a brief look out at the Hudson River, and I realize that I'm where I need to be. The outgoing tide is pretty good at taking my troubles out to sea right along with it. What advice do you have for young people considering the same career? I have told quite a few people about the benefits of a career in water treatment. The young people that the town of Esopus has recently hired, have all heard me say that this career will be as fulfilling as they want to make it. The potential is there for advancement, and there is schooling available to get them as far up the ladder as they want to go. I can't think of a better long term career for a young person who is looking for a stable job, with meaning, purpose, and the opportunity to provide generations of families with clean drinking water from our Hudson River. ### 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, 2024 marks the sixth anniversary of the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we are launching our first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week (May 27 - 31) in order to bring public awareness to the important role of our water treatment plant professionals. We are also hosting a tour of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility on the Marist College Campus that is open to the public on Friday, May 31 at 10am. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’re interested in attending.
Each day this week, we will feature one of the five public water treatment plants located in the Hudson River estuary, and highlight a member of their staff dedicated to ensuring the delivery of clean, reliable and high quality drinking water to the communities that they serve. Today, we turn the spotlight on the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facilities (PWTF) located in Dutchess County and Keane Curtis, one of the PWTF’s Licensed Water Treatment Operators. The PWTF is owned and operated by the City and Town of Poughkeepsie. Located on the banks of the Hudson River on the Marist College campus, they provide drinking water for 80,000 individuals within the City of Poughkeepsie, Town of Poughkeepsie, the Dutchess County Water Authority, and the Town of Hyde Park. The PWTF holds regularly scheduled joint water board meetings on the first Tuesday of every month at the Water Treatment Facility. Minutes and information reviewed at those meetings are available on their website: www.pokwater.com As Keane is currently working overnight shifts, we were very happy that he was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. What is your title and what do you do? How long have you been in your position? I am a Licensed Water Treatment Operator as of January of 2024. How many people do you provide drinking water for in your community? We provide water for roughly 80,000 residents, and growing. Our water customers live in the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, although we deliver Hudson River drinking water to people who live as far away from our plant as Wappingers Falls. Some of our customers purchase and sell the drinking water we process to Fishkill and beyond. How did you come to choose a career in drinking water? I was born and raised in the City of Poughkeepsie and attended the public school there. Following a few years at the Dutchess County College, I took a job working for the Public Works Department in sanitation in Poughkeepsie for about five months, when I saw an advertisement to be trained and to work as a water treatment operator for the PWTF. My grandfather, who is a environmental engineer based in Albany, told me how important this job was and encouraged me to take a chance and apply. What do you appreciate about your job? I feel like I am making a difference everyday. There is a direct impact when the water comes into the plant to adjust and influence things like PH and Chlorine before it goes out to our customers. I work 12-hour shifts (on a rotating schedule) performing water testing every 2-hours. We are a team of seven - the ones making things happen. We show up to work no matter if there’s a holiday or a snowstorm. We are a 24-7, 365 day a year operation. These long shifts can be tough on our team who have children, and especially those with newborns, but we work together to support our colleagues and we always make it work. I also appreciate having been trained while working side by side with other operators. The training was very thorough and significant, and many of those training me had worked at the PWTF for 7- 24-years. One of the first questions I would ask was, “How long have you worked there?” All of the answers were “More than 7-years.” That said a lot about the PWTF and its staff. I knew it would be a great place to work, and it is. What advice do you have for young people considering the same career? Take the same chance that I did, and when you do, take a lot of notes! Be patient, as you won’t understand everything you are being taught in the first year. It’s a learning journey. There are always new things that come down the pike such as policies and laws, so it’s important to be ready to adapt in any situation. ### 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, 2024 marks the sixth anniversary of the Hudson River Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7). To celebrate, we are launching our first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week (May 27 - 31) in order to bring public awareness to the important role of our water treatment plant professionals. We are also hosting a tour of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility on the Marist College Campus that is open to the public on Friday, May 31 at 10am. Please contact us at [email protected] if you’re interested in attending.
Each day this week, we will feature one of the five public water treatment plants located in the Hudson River estuary, and highlight a member of their staff dedicated to ensuring the delivery of clean, reliable and high quality drinking water to the communities that they serve. Today, we turn the spotlight on the Village of Rhinebeck Water Department located in Dutchess County and Bryan Alix, Chief Water Plant Operator. Rhinebeck’s water system serves approximately 6,000 people through 1,835 accounts for residents living in both the Village and Town of Rhinebeck. Their water comes from the Hudson River and is pumped into a state-of-the-art water treatment plant off of Slate Dock Road in the Hamlet of Rhinecliff, just south of the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge. It is owned and operated by the Village of Rhinebeck under the continuous supervision of the Dutchess County Department of Health and the New York State Health Department. We are pleased that Bryan was able to take some time out of his busy schedule to talk to us. What is your title and what do you do? How long have you been in your position? I've been working for the Rhinebeck Water Department for over 10 years and have been the Chief Water Plant Operator for 7 years. We provide water to 6000 people including schools, nursing homes and Northern Dutchess Hospital. How did you come to choose a career in drinking water? The way I got into this career is simple. I found a job opening, applied and was hired. It was one of the best decisions of my life. What do you appreciate about your job? There are three main reasons I appreciate the job: Service to the Community: I find fulfillment in providing an essential service to the community. I understand the critical role clean water plays in public health and safety and take pride in ensuring that people have access to safe and reliable water; Technical Skills Development: Water utility workers often develop a wide range of technical skills related to water treatment, distribution systems, plumbing, and equipment maintenance, which can be valuable for personal and professional growth; Problem Solving: We often face diverse challenges, from repairing water mains to troubleshooting complex treatment systems. The problem-solving aspect of our work can be intellectually stimulating and rewarding. What advice do you have for young people considering the same career? This job is what you make of it. You can start in an entry level position and work your way up to the top. The water industry is dynamic, with advancements in technology, regulations, and best practices. This provides opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development which opens the door for many possibilities within this career. ### 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).  Photo courtesy: The Poughkeepsie Journal Media Contact: Hudson 7: Rebecca Martin, Source Water Protection Coordinator [email protected] 845-750-7295
Mid-Hudson Valley – The Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council, known as the Hudson 7, will celebrate its six year anniversary by launching its first annual Water Operators Appreciation Week May 27 - 31st. The event serves to show appreciation to the dedication of the highly trained operators, technicians and other specialists who play an essential role in providing safe and reliable water to their communities. The council will feature a water operator profile daily from each of the five drinking water plants within the Hudson 7, and host a tour of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility (PWTF) located on the Marist College Campus at 3431 North Rd, in Poughkeepsie on Friday, May 31st from 10am - 12pm. The Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council, known as the Hudson 7, is a coalition of seven municipalities and two counties in the mid-Hudson region that draw drinking water from the Hudson River: The City and Town of Poughkeepsie; Village and Town of Rhinebeck; the Towns of Esopus, Hyde Park and Lloyd; and Dutchess and Ulster counties. For the past six years, Hudson 7 has been working diligently to ensure the safety of our communities’ drinking water. Its five public water treatment plants, at Highland, Hyde Park, Port Ewen, Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck, serve 106,000 residents, three hospitals, three colleges, and major regional employers, providing safe water for human consumption, firefighting, industry, and more. Since the council began to meet in 2018, it has taken on tough issues to protect the Hudson River as a drinking water source. With a commitment from local municipal and county leaders, technical advisors, water treatment plant staff, non-profit organizations and agencies, some of the issues that it has addressed include transmission cables, Hudson River anchorages, toxic substances such as coal tar and PCBs and more. The council continues to develop an actionable plan with support by the state’s Drinking Water Source Protection program to prioritize projects that will improve water quality. “It’s important for the Hudson 7 to shine a spotlight on our water treatment operators, and the critical function that water treatment plays in the protection of public health, and the essential work that they and their teams do everyday. The Hudson 7 appreciates their work and ongoing contributions to the wellbeing of our communities, and the 100,000 people who rely on the Hudson River drinking water supply.” said Mayor Gary Bassett of the Village of Rhinebeck and the chair of the Hudson 7. “Our core mission is to protect the source of our drinking water, the Hudson River Estuary. High-quality source water, effective treatment, and consistent distribution are keys to ensuring that we deliver healthy water to our communities, and that communities trust the tap water we provide. We are grateful for our plant operators and hope our annual event will help to inspire a whole new generation to choose a career in drinking water.” “It’s easy to take our faucets and spigots and showers for granted–but really it’s the dedicated system operators who work night and day to ensure our water is clean, safe, and protected.” said Supervisor Rebecca Edwards of the Town of Poughkeepsie. “They work incredibly hard, and the Joint Water Plant is one of the great prides of Poughkeepsie. It’s an honor to celebrate Randy Alstadt and our plant operators, and all that they do for our community.” "We appreciate the diligent efforts of the Hudson 7 Council. Since its inception, Hudson 7 has allowed our municipalities to become aware of the many factors that align with protecting our drinking water in real-time, and I couldn't be more confident that our water meets the highest standards with Hudson 7 at the helm. It is dire that we protect one of our greatest resources, the Hudson River," said Supervisor Al Torreggiani of the Town of Hyde Park. "People should take advantage of the upcoming tours of our treatment plants, the design and operations of the facilities are amazing to see in action, as are the 0perators and teams that run them seven days a week." “Regionalization and collaboration between the members of the Hudson 7 has had a significant impact over the last six years.” said Plant Administrator Randy Alstadt of the Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility. “Not only with respect to the important objective of raising awareness around critical threats to our water supply, but also in terms of positive outcomes related to specific projects.” The Hudson 7 meets monthly on the second Wednesday of each month (except for December) at 5:00pm. The hybrid meeting is live streamed on its YouTube channel, and meets in person at the PWTF in the City of Poughkeepsie. For more information, please visit: Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council (Hudson 7) Fact Sheet in 2024 |
Hudson 7 adminRebecca Martin, Source Water Protection Coordinator Archives
June 2025
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