KINGSTON, N.Y. -- A new campaign is underway in the Hudson Valley with the goal of protecting water supplies.
It was formed about two months ago, but an official kickoff ceremony was held Saturday. More than two dozen people came out for the event.
“It may reach out to people that we have not yet, have a chance to help understand how valuable water is, how much it needs protecting,” said Manna Jo Greene, the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater Environmental Action director.
"Campaign for Water Protection" aims bring together leaders of several groups that have been working on water protection over the years.
They say with contaminants found in the water source of several upstate communities, including Newburgh, it's important to let people know what needs to be done to protect water.
“We’re going to be going up and down the Hudson River, actually having conversations with people and communities on how to protect their water supplies, what there is to do," said Leslie Gabriel, Campaign for Water Protection executive director.
While the group say there have been some victories with the PCB Hudson River Cleanup and Indian Point set to close in 2021, there is still more work ahead.
They see the proposed Pilgrim Pipeline and anchorage sites on the Hudson River as potential threats to their water supplies.
“Protecting our water very proactively and thinking about what could go wrong rather than just trying to patch up problems after they happen is really critical,” Greene said.