Results of Hudson River water quality tests highlight risk to swimmers from failure to adequately invest in clean water
June 29, 2015
- 23% of Hudson River estuary samples failed.
- 72% of Hudson River tributary samples failed.
- 48% of New York City-area water access point samples failed.
- Increase funding for community grants via the New York State Water Infrastructure Improvement Act to help close the $800 million gap in spending on wastewater infrastructure identified by the Comptroller’s Office.
- Restore staff and budget for the Department of Environmental Conservation, which Governors and Legislatures have cut for years. Staff has declined 30% in the DEC’s Division of Water, over more than two decades. Meanwhile, the number of facilities in “significant non-compliance” of pollution discharge permits rose nearly 19% from 2010-2014, while the number of enforcement actions by the DEC fell over 64%, according to the Comptroller’s Office.
- Site-by-site results of tests for 1,485 water samples gathered by community scientists at 148 points in the Catskill, Esopus, Rondout and Sparkill creeks; the Wallkill and Pocantico Rivers; and New York City water access points.
- New analysis of the influence of rain on water quality, based on analysis of more than 3,100 samples taken from the Hudson River Estuary, showing a pronounced negative effect, particularly in areas affected by combined sewer overflows, and in tributary creeks.
- An outline of the potential sources of fecal contamination that affect our waters, ranging from combine sewer overflows and leaks and spills from aging sewers, to failing septic systems, agricultural and streetwater runoff, and wildlife.
- A detailed Action Agenda, identifying a comprehensive set of priorities for all levels of government, as well as the scientific community, that would improve water quality and protect the health of people taking part in swimming and other recreation.
- A list of successes that have resulted in part from publishing water quality data, including the creation of the $200 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2015, the $25 million investment made in the first year of a 15-year Long Term Control Plan for reducing combined sewer overflows in the Capital District, and the recent formation of a new citizens group, the Wallkill River Watershed Alliance, devoted to one of the Hudson’s largest tributaries.
- A section outlining what individuals can do to help reduce pollution. Tips include avoiding flushing anything but toilet paper to avoid clogging sewers and causing overflows; and scheduling regular inspections and maintenance for privately owned septic systems.
Related campaigns
Water quality monitoring
Riverkeeper is the go-to source for information about the quality of the water along the Hudson River and its tributaries
Swimming and public access
Working to make it safe and free for everyone to swim in the Hudson
Remediating and preventing contamination
Cleaning up decades of pollution and preventing more requires scientific understanding, targeted legal action, and sustained advocacy