Advice About Swimming in the Hudson River During Dredging in 2011

People should not swim in the No Swim Area (see map) near dredging operations. The New York State Department of Health also advises that, when possible, people swim in a beach area regulated by the state, counties, towns or villages because these beaches are monitored for safety and health and are posted for closures or swimming advisories. People who choose to swim in other areas of the Hudson can help protect their health by following the specific and general advice.

Specific Advice

During 2011, dredging activities will occur in a two-mile stretch near Fort Edward. People should not swim in the No Swim Area, as noted on the map. In these areas, there are safety concerns from boat traffic and operating equipment. There is also the potential for higher levels of PCBs in river water during debris removal and dredging activities. As you move downstream beyond dredge activities, we advise that people follow the general advice listed below.

General Advice

For most of the river, people who choose to swim and participate in water sports should follow good hygiene and safety advice. River and lake waters contain microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, and some of these can make a person sick if they enter the body. Many swimmers are exposed to these organisms by swallowing the water. Putting your head under water while swimming also increases the likelihood of exposure through the eyes, ears and nose.

Following these recommendations can help to reduce exposure to chemicals and microorganisms in the water.

  • People are less likely to get exposed if they wade or swim without immersing their heads and avoid swallowing river water.
  • People should wash their hands after swimming and before eating.
  • It may also be helpful to take a shower at the end of the swimming day to wash off river water and any river sediment.

In general, people should avoid swimming in cloudy water. Cloudy or turbid water can contain more microorganisms than normal and also can affect a person's ability to see underwater hazards.

Additional Information for Boaters

Recreational boaters should also avoid activities in the vicinity of dredge operations due to equipment and safety concerns.

  • Specific information for boaters that plan to travel near dredge operations or use the Champlain Canal is available. This site provides information regarding where dredge operations are occurring in the river, safety tips, rules and regulations, and relevant contact information.
  • In addition, the New York State Canal Corporation publishes Notices to Mariners to alert boaters of changes in operations or other issues.

About PCBs in the Hudson

Before dredging began, PCBs were present at low levels in the Hudson River water. During dredging in 2009, increases in PCB levels in the river water were observed in the upper river near dredge operations. However, the lower river showed no measurable increases in PCB concentrations during dredging. General Electric is required to achieve water quality standards developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to control resuspension of PCBs in river water during dredging. The control level for PCBs in river water at Thompson Island and Schuylerville (see map) is 500 parts per trillion, which is equal to the public drinking water standard for PCBs. If PCB levels exceed this control level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may require that operations be modified to control resuspension to protect water quality. This standard for PCBs was designed to protect public water supplies that rely on Hudson River water quality, but also provides protection for others that use the river, including swimmers.

Other questions or concerns?

Call the State Health Department at 518-402-7860 or 800-458-1158.