Water Quality Coordinating Committee

This year the County’s Water Quality Management Agency (the Department of the Environment) will transition the Water Quality Coordinating Committee to a Water Quality Coordination Council. This shift introduces a revised meeting structure designed to strengthen collaboration and improve water quality outcomes across the County.

To foster deeper, more meaningful coordination, the Water Quality Coordination Council will convene four specialized Working Groups comprised of municipal officials, stakeholder agencies, and non-profit members. Each Working Group will meet twice per year and will focus on one of the following areas: Public Water Supply, Stormwater Managers, Floodplain Administrators and Watershed Groups.

If you or your organization are interested in learning more or joining one of these Working Groups, please complete the interest form. Staff will review all submissions and follow up accordingly.

More details will be shared by early Fall 2026.

Water Quality Coordination Council Interest Form

Background

Under New York Consolidated Laws, County Law CNT § 220-A, Ulster County Legislature has the power to designate a Water Quality Management Agency. Resolution No. 445 of 2017 designated the Ulster County Department of the Environment as the County's Water Quality Management Agency. The Department of the Environment, as the Agency, convenes the Ulster County Water Quality Coordinating Committee (WQCC). This Committee is responsible for providing oversight of all water quality programs and related activities in the County, including assessment of the impact of point and non-point source pollution and the appropriateness of monitoring and administrative activities. The WQCC has the responsibility to review and coordinate all county activities which have a substantial impact on water quality management.

Mission

Provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to protect and improve the waters of Ulster County and ensure the resilience of our watershed systems.

Vision

The Ulster County Water Quality Coordinating Committee envisions a resilient watershed system serving the health and welfare of the community and ecosystem within the County and the region.