An advisory urging against recreational use of the Hudson River in Westchester County has been lifted, according to a county spokesperson.
The dayslong advisory was initially put in place July 3 following a power failure at the Yonkers Joint Wastewater Treatment Plant, which led to the discharge of approximately 39 millions gallons of partially treated sewage into the Hudson, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
Health officials issued the advisory “out of an abundance of caution,” concerned about potential water quality impacts along the river.
Beaches in Westchester reopen
In the spill’s aftermath, any contact with the water — including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, boating and fishing — was discouraged in a number of other Hudson River communities beyond Westchester.
In a July 8 release, the county reminded its residents to continue avoiding recreational use of the river “due to recent heavy rain and residual effects from the power failure” at the plant.
Water quality tests conducted by the county on July 13 revealed the water was once again safe for use, according to a county spokeswoman. The advisory was officially lifted July 14.
Philipse Manor Beach Club, Croton Point Park Beach, and Hudson Park East Beach, all closed July 9 due to spiked bacteria levels, have also reopened.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Advisory against recreational use of Hudson River in Westchester lifted
Reporting by Leia Green, Rockland/Westchester Journal News / Rockland/Westchester Journal News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Leia Green, Rockland/Westchester Journal News | USA TODAY Network
