Having struggled at the “B+” level for a number of years the Charles River was finally upgraded to a first-ever “A-” rating by the EPA at a ceremony in Boston in this week. From the press release (emphasis ours): “Here’s what a clean Charles River means: it’s as simple as seeing how many people get out and enjoy swimming, kayaking, sailing and windsurfing on a nice summer day, and not having to worry about whether the water might make them sick,” said Curt Spalding, regional administrator of EPA’s New England office. This is a hard-fought victory for the Charles and a testament to the commitment of the public and private…

The Charles River Watershed Association has published a new page on phosphorus in the Charles and how residents in the watershed can minimize their contribution. While bacteria from Combined Sewage Overflows (CSO) during heavy rainfall have long been the main focus of water quality concerns, phosphorus is quickly rivaling it as river enemy #1.  The CRSC’s first planned swimming race, planned for 2006, was cancelled due to an unusually strong cyanobacteria bloom [Boston Globe].  Microcystis cyanobacteria can produce toxins called microcystins which are potentially dangerous under certain conditions. Please give their page a look, it has some excellent info.

It looks like the Charles River isn’t the only Boston-area freshwater body that is starting to look good for a dip.  Some people living around Jamaica Pond have started a move towards introducing a swimming beach.  The idea is not universally supported, however.  Read more at the Boston Globe.

EPA releases its annual report card on the Charles' water quality.