The celebrations over the Independence Day holiday have spotlighted the role of the Hudson River and its importance to the region's natural heritage.

The health of the Hudson River is vital to the area's economy and well-being.This summer's quadricentennial celebration, which marks the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's exploration of his namesake river, features a wide variety of events all along the river's path. Millions of people live along the Hudson now, and rely on it for drinking water, for the shipment of goods and for recreation.

The health of the Hudson River has greatly improved since the 1960s and many noxious discharges have ceased. But the river continues to face chronic challenges -- like antiquated waste water plants -- as well as new ones, like discharges of pharmaceuticals. Toxic contamination has led to advisories on fish consumption, and swimming is not allowed after significant rainfall.

The best way to keep the Hudson safe is to keep contaminants at bay. For that reason, the NYLCV Education is leading the call for local governments to upgrade their drainage codes and other infrastructure (for example, see NYLCVEF's Westchester Policy Agenda).