Anacostia River swim postponed for third time due to E. coli levels

Rowers are seen in the Anacostia River from Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C., on June 14, 2021. The inaugural Anacostia River Splash was postponed Saturday morning after recent water quality samples detected E. coli levels well above D.C.'s recreational standards.The River Splash would have been the first time residents could be permitted to swim in the Anacostia River in over 50 years. Since 1971, swimming in the D.C.’s rivers and streams has been illegal due to water quality concerns.

The River Splash, organized by the Anacostia Riverkeeper, an organization that works to restore the river, was meant to give residents an opportunity to connect with the river and mark how much safer the water had become. The swim was set to take place in the river right off the Kingman Island Dock and beside the Benning Road Bridge. Nearly 200 people had signed up to participate.

This is the third time the event has been postponed. The first event was initially scheduled last July, but it was canceled, both as a result of inclement weather. While the postponement is disappointing to Sherard, he wants people to have full confidence the event will be safe. “We’re still moving in the right direction, but we have to be 100 percent safe,” Sherard said. “If people are having doubts in the event happening, don’t. The event is happening. We are not giving up.”

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