The water quality of the Hudson, East and Harlem rivers is fine. Today, the Hudson's waters flow cleaner than they have in decades and the Hudson is considered one of the healthiest estuaries on the Atlantic Coast. Its rich history and striking environmental recovery have made it one of the nation's fourteen American Heritage Rivers. Years of hard work by dedicated scientists, politicians, and river-lovers have opened the Hudson's shores to swimming, fishing, and boating. Revitalized public beaches, boat launches, parks, and angling spots dot the Hudson's shores.

Read about the water quality on the NYC Department of Environmental Protection web site.

Check on water quality at city beaches on the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene web site.

Read the 2003 Harbor Water Quality Report by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection.

Search for articles in our database about the water quality.

View a chart of fecal coliforms in the NY harbor from 1970 to the present.