The Essential Role of Hudson 7 Volunteer Technical Advisors Presentation at the Hudson River Watershed Alliance

Presented by Rebecca Martin, Source Water Protection Coordinator, Hudson 7, at the Hudson River Watershed Alliance Conference — October 28, 2025.

On October 28, Hudson 7 Source Water Protection Coordinator Rebecca Martin presented on “The Essential Role of Hudson 7 Volunteer Technical Advisors” during the Hudson River Watershed Alliance (HRWA) Conference. This year’s event, themed “Collaborating Across Boundaries,” was held at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Taconic Regional Office in Staatsburg, NY. As always, Emily Vail and the HRWA Board did an incredible job bringing together water professionals, advocates, and community leaders from across the region.  

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​​REVIEW SLIDE DECK

About the Hudson 7
The Hudson 7, officially established in 2018, unites the Town of Esopus, Town of Hyde Park, Town of Lloyd, City and Town of Poughkeepsie, and Village and Town of Rhinebeck, with Dutchess and Ulster Counties joining in 2023. Together, these municipalities provide drinking water to approximately 106,000 people who rely on the Hudson River as their source.

The Hudson 7’s goals are to:

• Protect the Hudson River as a drinking water source.
• Share funding opportunities for clean water infrastructure.
• Strengthen communication between the five treatment plants.
• Coordinate long-term watershed protection and stewardship.
• Speak with one unified voice for clean water.

What Makes the Hudson 7 Unique?
The Hudson 7 is the first intermunicipal council focused on protecting the Hudson River as a drinking water source. It centers drinking water protection in decision-making, empowers local communities along the river, and has helped elevate drinking water protection as a top state and federal priority.

Volunteer Technical Advisors: A Key to Success
Local officials volunteer their time to serve on the Hudson 7, alongside a team of volunteer technical advisors who bring specialized expertise in engineering, science, water quality, communications, and advocacy. These advisors — up to nine, as permitted by the Hudson 7’s bylaws — provide independent, non-binding guidance to support projects, planning, and policy decisions that safeguard the region’s drinking water. Their commitment and collaboration have been instrumental to the Hudson 7’s success.

Key Achievements Supported by Technical Advisors

1. Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP2) – Establishing state-approved goals for long-term source protection.
2. CHPE Transmission Cable – Advocated for safeguards and route adjustments to protect drinking water intakes.
3. Anchorages Issue – Helped ensure the Hudson River remains safe from new anchorage proposals that threaten water intakes and the environment..
4. Ashokan Releases – Successfully advocated for the inclusion of drinking water and climate impacts in NYC’s SEIS and interim protocols.
5. Salt Front Study – Secured a state-funded study to assess sea-level rise and salinity impacts on drinking water.
6. Coal Tar Remediation – Collaborated with DEC and Central Hudson to ensure safe cleanup near Poughkeepsie’s intake.
7. Spill Preparedness – Partnered with DEC and the Coast Guard on emergency response drills.
8. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) – Coordinated response efforts during the 2024 bloom event to ensure drinking water safety.
   
   

Looking Ahead
​As the Hudson 7 enters its eighth year, it continues to expand partnerships, pursue new initiatives, and strengthen local capacity to protect drinking water at its source. The Hudson 7 meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 5 PM (hybrid format). Meeting materials, recordings, and updates are available at www.hudson7.org.

​(Photos courtesy of Hudson River Watershed Alliance)