Is it safe to swim in the water?

One of the questions Waterkeepers are most often asked is “Is the water safe to swim?” To answer that question, they monitor water quality by testing for bacteria during the warm months, usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For bacteria monitoring, they sample for E.Coli and Enterococcus as indicators that the water has been contaminated by fecal coliform. They put the results directly in the hands of the people who need them through mobile apps, websites maps, real-time public alerts, annual report cards, and various other means to share with their community. 

Petra Baldwin, water quality coordinator with the Anacostia Riverkeeper, tests the water quality at the dock on the Anacostia where the Saturday Splash swim event will take place. Here she is taking a sample for bacteria levels. (2023)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO 

Before you head out to your favorite river or beach to paddle, swim or fish, here are some guidelines to lower your risks and stay informed about your river’s current health. 

  • Check Swim Guide or your Local Waterkeeper’s website for current information.
  • Do not swim or have contact with the water within 48 hours of a major storm event. Polluted runoff can carry bacteria.
  • Do not swim or have contact with the water if you have open wounds, scratches, skin lesions, an ear infection, or a compromised immune system.
  • Do not swallow river water.
  • Always shower or rinse off after swimming or submerging in open water.
  • When in doubt, stay out – Never swim in cloudy or murky water, or if the water has an odd smell or appearance. Avoid areas where oil slicks, fish kills, or ‘scum’ is visible in the water. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

  • Don’t feed the geese! Geese and other waterfowl poop in the same place they eat. Goose poop can contain harmful bacteria, causing negative human health and environmental effects. 
  • Pick up after your dog! Rain will wash dog poop into the waterway, and similar to goose poop, dog poop can cause infections in humans and pets. Scoop it and throw it away! 
  • Be part of the solution! Find your Local Waterkeeper here to volunteer in various activities from helping out during Water Quality Monitoring Season, which is typically from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, to join clean-ups and learn more about your local waterways!

Learn more about bacteria testing and safety thresholds here.

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