Harlem River Swimming Proposal Faces Backlash
Activists in the Bronx are expressing frustration over a proposal to open the notoriously polluted Harlem River for swimming, arguing that it does little to address the issue of raw sewage being dumped into the water.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the goal is to improve water quality in New York’s most polluted waterways, aiming for conditions that would allow swimming. However, clean water advocates are skeptical. They believe the plan by the Department of Environmental Conservation essentially preserves low-quality standards, permitting the annual discharge of 2 billion gallons of raw sewage into the river.
Currently classified as “Class I,” the Harlem River is expected to support “secondary contact recreation,” which includes activities like boating and fishing.
The crux of the activists’ concerns hinges on recent proposals from the DEC to reclassify the river to “rainy (WW) restricted use,” meaning swimming would only be permitted on specified dry days.
Environmental advocates are pointing out that after rainfall, the river frequently becomes inundated with sewage and pollutants, as the infrastructure is unable to handle excessive rainwater—even when it’s not raining, it may seem passable for swimming, or at least, that’s what they hope.
Activists are urging local and state officials to prioritize solutions that would genuinely open up the river for swimming, rather than just focusing on reclassifying its status. It’s estimated that repairing the outdated sewer system could cost around $9 billion, a figure the DEC refuses to endorse as feasible.
One activist, Ruby, expressed concern that the current debate around sewage pollution reflects a troubling mindset of maintaining the status quo. “They say this is an upgrade when it’s really not,” Ruby emphasized. “We should aim for a water quality that allows swimming at all times.”
With the proposed reclassification, it would mean the state could suspend water quality standards for up to 36 hours after rain.
Several politicians have already reached out to DEC Deputy Amanda Lefton, urging for a reconsideration of the reclassification in favor of more ambitious goals regarding water quality for the river.
Two public hearings on the proposal are set for later this month.
Others in the community, including kayaking and rowing groups, have also criticized the DEC for what they see as a lack of commitment to cleaning the river. One local, noting the river’s condition, mused about the potential for clearer waters during dry spells but admitted they’d likely avoid swimming regardless.
“I know the situation isn’t good, and I have to agree, the Harlem River has seen better days,” Rocky remarked.
Critics believe the DEC is effectively giving up on efforts to improve the river’s quality.
In response, a DEC representative pointed out that the proposed changes represent significant progress and reflect years of ongoing efforts to improve New York City’s waterways. They argued that the new regulations would bring ecological benefits and enhance local conditions for fishing, boating, and swimming.
Chauncey Young from the Harlem River Union expressed disappointment that these proposed changes fell short, especially compared to cleaner waterways elsewhere that offer recreational opportunities. He noted that even the Hudson River has more accessible swimming spots.
“We feel like a forgotten borough,” Young stated. “For decades, we’ve pushed for better access to the river. It seems that Bronx and Upper Manhattan residents are continually overlooked when it comes to development and resources for our parks and community spaces.”
