Do you support free and safe public access to the rivers around NYC for swimming? Are you already swimming in the waters? Do you want to start? Do you think our waters should be living up to the goals of the Clean Water Act? We Want You! 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is hosting a public hearing on the potential reclassification of waters across New York State and we want you to join us there to share your vision for the waters around NYC! The State wants to hear from the public (YOU!) as it reviews the data and makes its decisions. Join us on June 13th at the DEC public hearing, where our team will testify in support of reclassification. Whether you take to the mic to speak about why you support safe swimming access; write a letter to the State to voice your support; clap for the advocates speaking up; or simply design an awesome “We want to Swim in the River” sign; WE WANT YOU!

The waters around NYC are currently not classified for swimming and yet, the case for river swimming with wet weather advisories is strong, as detailed in this OpEd written by + POOL Director Kara Meyer. Since 2021, Friends of + POOL has been undergoing diligence for river swimming at Pier 35 in Lower Manhattan. In 2021, data at the site met recreational water quality thresholds more frequently than two of the city’s already permitted bathing beaches, according to the 2021 Beach Report. In 2022, data at the site met thresholds for swimming more frequently than six existing bathing beaches and the 30-day geometric mean was better than 11 beaches currently in operation. 

Poor water quality correlates to heavy rain events and we believe that with proper monitoring practices and advanced engineering, we can provide safe access to the natural waters around us for swimming when river conditions demonstrate strong water quality. 

Can’t make the hearing? The public comment period commences on April 12, 2023. Written comments may be submitted to:

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway, 4th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-3500, ATTN: Michelle Tompkins
Phone: (518) 402-8179
Email: WQSrulemakings@dec.ny.gov

Written comments must be submitted to the NYSDEC by 11:59 p.m. on June 20, 2023.