After 40 years, the Charles River is still unsafe for swimming. The only swimming permitted in the Charles is in the Lower Basin—the area between Watertown and Boston Harbor.

Even there, swimming is only permitted through special permits, and events are often canceled due to poor water quality. Sadly, this further proves that the Charles River is still not safe for swimming. Fortunately, the EPA has introduced a new plan to address the ongoing issues.

Transforming the Charles River for Safer Swimming

In October 2024, the US EPA released a draft permit requiring commercial properties covering an acre or more of “impervious surfaces” –such as pavement and roofs that do not absorb water – to improve control of the stormwater pollution emanating from their land.

This is a big deal, because stormwater is the main source of pollution degrading water. quality in the Charles, as well as in the Mystic and the Neponset Rivers.

When it rains, water flows off roofs and travels across parking lots, sidewalks, and streets, collecting organic material, pathogens, and other pollutants along the way.

This untreated water then enters storm drains and is discharged directly into our rivers. This polluted stormwater runoff promotes toxic algal blooms, supports invasive plants (which displace native species), and degrades habitats, harming the river and making it unsafe for swimming and other forms of recreation.

As climate change causes more intense rainstorms, we are witnessing an increase in the volume of polluted water in our rivers. This is where the new draft permit comes into play.

Where Does Stormwater Originate

A disproportionate amount of stormwater pollution originates from land owned by large commercial businesses, industrial sites, and universities.

The EPA’s proposal would require private property owners to manage dirty water runoff. They could do this by reducing the area of impervious surfaces on their land that rainwater flows over.

Alternatively, they could implement eco-friendly infrastructure, such as green roofs, underground holding tanks, or vegetated ditches known as bioswales. These new requirements offer an additional benefit: reducing inland flooding.

This happens because increased green infrastructure and less pavement allow stormwater to be retained in tanks or absorbed into the ground, rather than flowing into storm drains.

Benefit to Taxpayers

This will also benefit Hopkinton taxpayers because currently municipalities are required to reduce stormwater pollution within their borders, placing the financial burden entirely on residents.

This new permit will require those who contribute most significantly to the problem to pay their fair share to address it.

Not Set in Stone Yet—Need Public Support

The EPA is accepting written comments on this new regulatory approach until March 17.

Your voice matters if you care about achieving a swimmable Charles River and a safe, healthy environment. Let the EPA and the incoming administration know that we need a clean Charles River now.

In the early 20^th century, public beaches lined the Charles River in Boston and Cambridge. Let’s recommit to reopening Magazine Beach, Havey Beach, Charlesbank Beach, and Gerry’s Landing Beach, so that on a hot summer day we can all cool off with a jump into the refreshing, clean water of the Charles River.

Emily Norton is the executive director of the Charles River Watershed Association.

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Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of HopNews. Letters may be edited for clarity, grammar, and length.