| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 4, 2026 | Contact: Beth Cefalu, Director of Strategic Communications (845) 638-5645 |
NEW CITY, NY, – The Rockland County Department of Health(RCDOH) is informing residents that the Yonkers Wastewater Recovery Facility has been fully operational since July 3rd. The NYS Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have been communicating closely with Rockland and Westchester Counties, New York City, and partner agencies and have the following recommendations for Rockland County residents. “As with all untreated sources of water, people should not directly drink untreated Hudson River water. Additionally, New Yorkers should refrain from swimming or any other activity that involves the full immersion of the body underwater at closed beaches. It is safe, however, to engage in other recreational activities which involve partial contact with the water such as boating, kayaking and fishing.” For those individuals who plan to fish, please consult the NYS Health Department’s fishing advisories.
The RCDOH is continuing to work with state and local agencies to monitor the situation.
“This Fourth of July holiday weekend, families will be spending time outdoors and near water,” said Dr. Mary Leahy, Rockland County Commissioner of Health. “Our goal is to protect the health and safety of Rockland residents.
Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.