Yonkers Hudson River advisory: DOH/DEC warn against full-body immersion

On July 3, 2026, New York State officials said a power failure at the Yonkers Joint wastewater treatment plant led to a partially treated discharge into the Hudson River. The NYS Department of Health (DOH) and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued precautionary guidance for people using the river for recreation.

What officials advised you to do now

NYS DOH/DEC said people should:

• Skip swimming and any full-body immersion at closed beaches while conditions are being assessed and monitored.
• Not directly drink untreated Hudson River water.
• Follow local guidance, including posted beach closures for the specific waterfront areas you plan to visit.

What’s described as lower-risk—and what to watch locally

In the same DOH/DEC statement, officials said it’s safe to engage in recreational activities with partial contact with the water, including boating, kayaking, and fishing. Rockland County’s Department of Health echoed those same recommendations in its local update, and said it was continuing to work with agencies to monitor the situation.

At the same time, CBS New York reported that Westchester County told residents to avoid any contact with Hudson River water along the affected stretch until testing shows the water quality has returned to acceptable levels—and cited local closures like the Philipse Manor Beach Club in Sleepy Hollow. That means your safest “decision rule” is to follow the exact instructions for the launch/beach/park you’re considering.

Where the advisory was communicated along the Hudson

News 12 reported the advisory/closure messaging applied to these communities:

• Yonkers
• Hastings-on-Hudson
• Dobbs Ferry
• Irvington
• Tarrytown
• Sleepy Hollow
• Briarcliff Manor

Local closures and on-the-ground impacts

Multiple outlets reported closures tied to the advisory, including Philipse Manor Beach Club in Sleepy Hollow remaining closed until further notice. CBS New York also reported boaters at JFK Marina in Yonkers were being turned away from launching at the time of the county’s advisory coverage.

What to watch next

CBS reported that the advisory would remain in place until testing shows water quality has returned to acceptable levels. Rockland County also said it would share updates as more information becomes available—so check for revised closure notices before heading to the waterfront.

Bottom line for Yonkers waterfront users

If a beach is closed, officials said don’t swim or fully immerse. For everyone else, the guidance emphasizes follow local closure instructions and stay alert for updates as testing continues—especially if local officials are telling residents to avoid any water contact along specific stretches.

Sources

• NYS DEC & NYS DOH statement (Yonkers wastewater power failure health guidance)
• Rockland County Department of Health press release (health warning tied to Hudson River advisory)
• News 12 (Westchester-area coverage of the advisory)
• CBS News New York (Yonkers Hudson advisory coverage)