How dirty is the Charles River?

The entire Charles River drains rain and melted snow from a watershed area of 310 square miles. The Charles River has historically suffered from earlier industrial contamination – most of which has been directly caused by the densely populated area through which the river flows.

What is the water quality of the Charles River?

The Charles River received an “A” to “D-” in a new grading system from EPA New England. While most of the Charles River’s water is in good shape, a tributary that runs through Boston and Brookline has water that’s far less satisfactory, according to the latest water quality grades.

Are rivers safe to swim in?

Concerns about currents, pollution and wildlife often deter people from swimming in natural bodies of water, like streams and lakes. Thankfully, it’s perfectly safe to swim in most bodies of fresh water.

Is the Charles River safe to swim in 2021?

Progress. Today we have a river that is safe for recreational boating virtually all of the time, and safe for swimming 70\% of the time. It is a river that is now a resource for an active wind surfing community, an annual swim race and catch and release fishing.

What lives in the Charles River?

The Charles River is home to more than 25 species of freshwater fish, including bluegill, american eel, redbreast sunfish, yellow perch, largemouth bass, pumkinseed, and golden shiner.

How Clean Is Charles River?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gives the Charles River a letter grade for overall cleanliness every year. This year’s grade: B. It’s a dip from last year’s A-, but not too different from other recent years.

Can you swim in Boston Harbor?

While Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area is water-oriented, none of the islands or peninsula parks are true swimming destinations. The beaches are all gravel, so you need either tough feet or water shoes to have any chance of enjoying yourself.

Can you get sick from swimming in a river?

Swimming while ill can easily contaminate the water – even if you don’t have an accident. Also, lakes and rivers can be contaminated by animal waste, sewage spills, and water runoff following rainfall. If you swallow water that has been contaminated, you may become sick.

How cold is the Charles River?

Water is not to exceed 28.3°C (83°F). Temperature controls many biological and chemical processes that take place in the water.

What is the source of the Charles River?

The winding course of the Charles is the result of the rocky terrain of this area and the fact that it is a small river without the power to carve a straighter, deeper channel. Today the Charles River’s official source is Echo Lake in Milford, Massachusetts, at 385 feet above sea level.

Where is Charles River in Boston?

Near its mouth, it forms the border between downtown Boston and Cambridge and Charlestown. The river opens into a broad basin and is lined by the parks of the Charles River Reservation. On the Charles River Esplanade stands the Hatch Shell, where concerts are given in summer evenings.

Where is the Charles River in Massachusetts?

The Charles River (sometimes called the River Charles or simply the Charles) is an 80 mi (129 km) long river in eastern Massachusetts. From its source in Hopkinton the river flows in a northeasterly direction (after first coursing due south through Milford ), traveling through 23 cities and towns before reaching the Atlantic Ocean at Boston.