Hudson 7 First Annual Water Operators Appreciation Week Highlight: Village of Rhinebeck Water Plant and Bryan Alix, Chief Water Plant Operator

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. 
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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.
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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. 

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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).