Boston's Charles River Cleaner Than Ever

The Charles River now has the best water quality for boating and swimming since the intensive Clean Charles Initiative began in 1995, according to federal and state environment officials. However, there still is growing concern about elevated levels of nutrients from storm water runoff, especially phosphorus.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently gave the lower Charles River its highest grade ever, a B++. The unusual grade reflects coordinated efforts by government and local groups that have succeeded in reducing bacteria levels to restore the river to ecological health.

"We can all be very proud that our hard work to reduce bacteria levels in the Charles River is paying off,” said Robert Varney, regional administrator of the EPA's New England office. "We still have work to do, especially regarding nutrients from storm water pollution, to solve problems including the algae blooms that have occurred the past several summers."

High levels of phosphorus in the past several years have caused the river to turn a bright shade of blue-green during summer algae blooms. The color is caused by blooms of cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to both people and pets.

In October 2007, the EPA and the state of Massachusetts began a process to limit phosphorus entering the Charles River by establishing a new total maximum daily load (TMDL) for discharges of phosphorus into the lower Charles River. A TMDL determines how much of a pollutant can be put into a body of water before it has harmful effects.

Source: Environment News Service