On 5/30/12 6:48 AM, John H. wrote:
On Tue, 29 May 2012 21:06:21 -0400, wrote:

On Tue, 29 May 2012 16:05:49 -0700, "Califbill"
wrote:

Took younger daughter, husband, and the grandkids out for a day of playing,
tubing and eating on the
Potomac yesterday.

I am SO GLAD you folks had fun. And I hope you are healthy. My
recollections of the Potomac are that you DON'T TOUCH THE WATER,
because it is SO NASTY.

I hope my data is old and that things have changed, but I remember
paddle boating in the tidal basin in DC and it was NASTY, 50 years
ago.

I'm supporting your fun, but remembering my history.

Yes, 50 years ago touching the water called for a tetanus shot.

The Potomac today is much cleaner. This is a state park with a beach. The water is monitored for
fecal and other contamination. It's safe for wading, but not for drinking.

Sounds like you've not been to the Potomac lately. It's a completely different river than it was 50
years ago.

Don't believe all the horror you hear from one particular individual here. He's grinding his dull
ax. Someday he'll get a boat and have something better to do.


The Potomac is cleaner than it has been in decades, but that doesn't
mean it is a great place to swim because of its "pristine" waters.

According to the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin,
“While bacteria are integral parts of any natural system, some kinds, in
sufficient numbers, can cause gastrointestinal illness, skin and ear
infections, respiratory illness, and sometimes worse problems.”

http://www.welovedc.com/2010/09/14/d...er-everywhere/

And, among many other reports:

http://www.tbd.com/articles/2011/08/...sea-64828.html


I think it is great you and your family swim in the Potomac.