by Laura Jasinski
CommonWealth Beacon
Although regular swimming in the Charles River largely remains a fond memory from the early 20th century, there is hope.
After decades of unregulated industrialization through the 1970s, the Charles was often too polluted for boating, let alone swimming. But then in 1996, Gov. Bill Weld did something quite eye-popping.
Thirty years ago, he dove, fully clothed, into what was then a very dirty Charles River. Fast forward to today and — due in part to his dive heard round the state moments after signing the Rivers Protection Bill—the river’s health, as measured through the EPA’s “report cards “ has improved from a D in 1995 to the A/B range today.
Through regional collaboration, environmental enforcement, and sustained investment, the Charles has become one of the cleanest urban rivers in the country. But can we keep it that way? Even better, why not set our ambitions high for a river that’s fully swimmable.
Water quality data show the Charles River meets public health standards for swimming on most summer days. And there is real demand to do so.
This Saturday is City Splash, a signature annual public swim and park celebration that provides the public the rare opportunity to swim in the Charles. The event hits swimmer capacity within hours of going live for registration.
The question isn’t whether Charles could support safe swimming. It’s whether we’re willing to make it happen.