Safe to Swim or Fish in the Anacostia River?

Dead fish washed up on a bank of the Anacostia

The federal Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, stated the goal of returning all of the nation’s waterways to fishable and swimmable status by July 1, 1983.  We have clearly missed that goal.  Clean water is a right of all people, and the Clean Water Act is an excellent tool for achieving this goal.  But unless citizens speak out for clean water, it is easy for public officials to allow the pollution of our waterways to continue.

The Good News

The Anacostia River is safe for non-contact recreation and is a haven for paddlers, rowers, boaters, and fishermen.  AWS has a robust Recreation Program that takes people of all ages out canoeing and kayaking on the Anacostia.  The northern stretch of the Anacostia mainstem is bordered exclusively by parkland and is a beautiful place for quiet recreation, full of fish, turtles, and birds beyond counting – including bald eagles.  Soon hikers and bikers will be able to access this portion of the river when Maryland and DC finish construction on a trail connection project, resulting in a full Anacostia trail from the Potomac to our uppermost tributaries.

The Bad News

Unfortunately, the Anacostia River is not safe for swimming.  DC law prohibits swimming in any river in the District. No governmental entity in Maryland even assesses the water quality of the Anacostia to determine if it safe for swimming.  However, testing by AWS consistently demonstrates violation of water quality standards and bacteria levels in the river. The river is particularly unsafe to swim in 24-48 hours after a rain.

It is also not safe to regularly eat fish from the Anacostia River.  DC and Maryland both have issued fish advisories for the Anacostia. The National Fish and Wildlife Service studies show that 2/3 of the brown bullhead catfish have cancerous lesions or sores.