From Homes to Hospitals: Hudson River Drinking Water Now Serves More Than 107,800 People.

An updated analysis shows 107,841 people rely on drinking water drawn from the Hudson River—supporting homes, businesses, schools, and hospitals across communities in Dutchess and Ulster counties, and serving all who live, work, or visit them.

The Hudson River Drinking Water Intermunicipal Council—known as the Hudson 7—continues to protect a vital regional resource: drinking water drawn from the Hudson River.

During the Council’s February meeting, members heard a presentation from Dan Shapley of Riverkeeper outlining updated estimates of the population served by water systems that treat Hudson River water.

The numbers show the reach of this shared resource is growing. Previously estimated at just over 106,000 people, the updated analysis finds that 107,841 residents now receive drinking water treated from the Hudson River Estuary through systems in the Hudson 7 communities.

These systems include the Poughkeepsies' Water Treatment Facility, the Village of Rhinebeck Water Treatment Plant, the Town of Lloyd Water Plant, the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (DCWWA) and the Roger Mabie Water Treatment Plant in the Town of Esopus. Together, they supply drinking water to communities including the City and Town of Poughkeepsie, Town of Hyde Park, Village and Town of Rhinebeck, Town of Lloyd, Town of Esopus, and several surrounding water districts and systems all within Ulster and Dutchess Counties. 

But the number of residents served tells only part of the story.

In addition to homes, these drinking water systems support businesses, hospitals, colleges, schools, and industries across the region. Institutions such as Marist College or Ulster BOCES, along with countless workplaces and community facilities, depend on this reliable supply of clean drinking water every day.

That means the Hudson 7 is more than a coalition of municipalities—it represents a critical service for everyone who lives, works, studies, or visits these communities. Protecting the quality of Hudson River drinking water safeguards not only public health, but also the economic vitality and essential services that sustain the region.

As the population served continues to grow, the importance of coordinated protection of the Hudson River becomes even clearer. Through collaboration among municipalities and counties, water system operators, partner organizations and the public, the Hudson 7 works to ensure that this shared drinking water source remains clean and reliable for the communities that depend on it.

Because when we protect the Hudson River, we protect the water that sustains more than 107,000 people—and the many institutions and services that make these communities thrive.