WASHINGTON -- With warmer temperatures on the way, the best way to keep cool is by taking in dip in the pool, beach or even a local river like the Potomac - but is actually safe to swim there?
Well, there really isn't a definitive answer, according to the Instate Commission on the Potomac River Basin (ICPRB). The safety of the river can change daily depending on the rain, temperature and other factors.
When conditions are just right, one to three days after rain and runoff drains into the river, the Potomac is clean enough for swimmers to stay in the water as long as they please.
“It's definitely safe to swim in the Potomac on a perfect summer day,” said Phillip Musegaas, vice-president of programs and litigation for the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. “If it hasn't rained very much in the last few days beforehand, absolutely.”
Is the water clean?
It depends. In areas designated for swimming, the water is tested weekly for bacterial contamination. Other areas may not a have water quality monitoring station in the general area. The contamination comes from storm water, algae and bacteria.
If you still choose to swim in the Potomac, the Instate Commission on the Potomac Basin has a list of ways to limit your risk of getting sick:
- Do not enter the water for several days after a significant rainstorm. Storm flows spike bacteria levels, which decrease with time.
- Do not swallow water.
- Do not enter the water if you have cuts or open sores. These are pathways for bacteria to enter your body.
- Wash after swimming.
- People with immuno-suppressive diseases should avoid direct contact with the river.
- Avoid algae blooms (brightly colored water) and trash in the water.
If you don't follow these guidelines, you can face bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin and ear infections, respiratory illness, and sometimes worse problems.
For more information about swimming in the Potomac, click here. If you want to venture a few miles across the District to Southeast, D.C. to the Anacostia River, here's what we know.
The Anacostia River still has work to do to improve its quality, but it's getting better. Last year, the river scored a 49 or F, but this year it improved by nearly 15 points and received the grade of a D. Not an A, but it is improvement, considering the river has gotten F's for the last ten years.
Here's a breakdown on how the river scored in each category.
Aquatic Vegetation: A+
Microalgae: B-
Fecal Bacteria: D
Water Clarity, Toxins, Trash: F
