Why 70% of America’s Lakes and Rivers Are Too Polluted for Swimming

Lakes and rivers offer a refreshing escape for many Americans, providing places to cool off, relax, and enjoy nature. However, water quality is a big concern. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that over 70% of freshwater lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and wetlands, and over 42% of creeks, rivers, and streams are too polluted for activities like swimming.

The Clean Water Act (CWA), updated in 1972, aimed to address this by banning pollutant discharges without a permit, giving the EPA power to control pollution, and funding sewage treatment plants. Despite these efforts, challenges remain, particularly with nonpoint source pollution, which comes from many scattered sources and is harder to control.

Recreational waterborne diseases are a major issue. Norovirus is the most common, causing vomiting and diarrhea, and is linked to over 18,000 cases annually. Staph infections, though less common, can be severe and even fatal.

Monitoring and protecting water quality is inconsistent. Only 19 states have assessed most of their recreational-use waters, with Rhode Island being the only one to assess all its waters. Wyoming, despite its natural beauty, has assessed very few of its lakes and rivers.

EPA enforcement is a problem. States often handle their own water quality, leading to uneven monitoring and prioritization of polluted areas. This lack of oversight contributes to gaps in water quality data.

Water quality varies widely by state. Southwestern states like New Mexico and Texas have fewer impaired waters, while West Virginia has a high percentage of impaired lake acreage. Rivers and streams are harder to assess due to their varying nature, with some states like Colorado doing better than others like Hawaii.

In Georgia, 34% of assessed lake and wetland waters are impaired, while 88% of assessed river and creek miles are impaired.

For more details, visit Captain Experiences’ report on water quality and swimming safety.