The mid-Hudson provides a prime nursery for nearly two hundred species of fish. Though still tidal, the river here is no longer salty. Some shore towns depend on it for drinking water. Others need the Hudson to stay healthy because their economies — from river-front restaurants to recreational fishing — can only prosper if the river does.
Like New York City, many small riverfront towns dump raw sewage into the Hudson after even a passing rain shower. Increased development and new industries are only adding to the problem. Riverkeeper advocates upgrading our great-grandparents' sewage treatment plants with non-polluting, economical alternatives.
'Is it safe to swim here?' That's only one of the many questions Riverkeeper gets about water quality. Our water monitoring program is the only comprehensive and regular testing being done on the river today. It offers a model for state and local government. And by posting the results on the web, Riverkeeper gives the public the information it needs to make sure the river stays clean.
Mid-Hudson Slideshow