Hudson 7 Second Annual Water Operators Appreciation Week Highlight: Poughkeepsies’ Water Treatment Facility (PWTF)'s Bryan Cussick.

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 Bryan Cussick. 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 Hyde Park and still live here today. My journey into water treatment began when I took a civil service test for a Water Treatment Plant Operator Trainee position. A few months later, I received a letter from PWTF inviting me to interview for the trainee role. I clearly remember sitting in their boardroom during the interview, looking out at the beautiful view of the Hudson River.

How long have you been working at the City of Poughkeepsie drinking water plant? 
I started my career here at age 23 and have now been with the company for 17 years.

You recently earned your Grade 1A license (congratulations!). What was that process like, and what does this certification mean to you?
I began this journey in 2018 by enrolling in the Supervisory Management in Water and Wastewater course through Michigan State University. After completing it in 2019, I was ready to take the Advanced Operations course. Unfortunately, the pandemic put everything on hold, and the course wasn’t available for several years. Finally, in January 2024, I was able to take the Advanced Operations course in Cortland, NY. It was an intense, week-long program packed with information. On the final day, I took the exam - and passing it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders. After 16 years in this field, completing this goal was a major personal achievement. Earning this license not only reflects the dedication and hard work I’ve put in, but it also opens up new opportunities that I wouldn't have been qualified for before.

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?
There will always be a need for licensed water operators. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and keep learning - it's how you grow in this field. It may not be the most glamorous job, but there’s real satisfaction in knowing you’re helping provide safe, high-quality drinking water to your community.

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).