Hudson River Advisory Lifted After Sewage Spill

Westchester County has officially lifted an advisory that had discouraged recreational use of the Hudson River. This action, taken on July 14, follows concerns over water quality that prompted the initial warning. The advisory was first issued on July 3 after a power failure at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant resulted in the discharge of approximately 39 million gallons of partially treated sewage into the river. Health officials initially advised against all water contact, including swimming, kayaking, and fishing, as a precautionary measure.

Subsequent water quality tests conducted by the county on July 13 revealed that the river's water was once again safe for recreational activities. This confirmation led to the lifting of the advisory. Additionally, several beaches in the area, including Philipse Manor Beach Club, Croton Point Park Beach, and Hudson Park East Beach, which had been temporarily closed on July 9 due to elevated bacteria levels, have also been permitted to reopen.