Rock Creek might look inviting, but it’s full of harmful bacteria. Wading and swimming are banned for good reason.
WASHINGTON — Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirred up social media and serious health concerns this weekend after posting photos of himself swimming in Rock Creek Park—an activity that’s explicitly banned due to dangerous levels of bacteria in the water.
With his jeans still on and a grin on his face, Kennedy dove into one of D.C.’s most iconic streams, captioning the moment with a celebration of nature. Even inviting his grandchildren to join in. But his dip into the creek caused a wave of backlash from public health officials and environmental advocates, who quickly pointed out that swimming in Rock Creek is not only discouraged, it’s illegal.
So, why is swimming in Rock Creek banned?
Swimming, wading, and bathing have been prohibited in Rock Creek Park—and in all D.C. streams and rivers—for over 50 years. The primary reason? The water is contaminated.
According to the District Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), Rock Creek consistently contains high levels of bacteria, including E. coli, due to a toxic mix of urban runoff, pet waste, faulty sewer lines, and the city’s outdated combined sewer system, which allows raw sewage to overflow directly into waterways during heavy rain.
These contaminants pose serious health risks. Exposure can cause a range of illnesses, including vomiting, diarrhea, skin infections, and more severe complications—especially in children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems. And yes, even pets can get sick from contact with the water.
“With all due respect, swimming in Rock Creek is prohibited because the water is contaminated with 💩,” one commenter on X wrote, summing up what many officials didn’t say outright.
Not Just a Health Risk, An Environmental One:
The National Park Service enforces the swim ban not just to protect people, but also the ecosystem. Trampling in and out of the creek can erode fragile streambanks, harming the habitat of fish, amphibians, and aquatic insects. It also threatens the long-term stability of a park that millions of people rely on for hiking, biking, bird-watching, and peaceful escapes from the city.
Despite this, some people still wade in. RFK Jr. is hardly the first person to hop into Rock Creek on a hot day, but his status as the nation’s top health official made the moment especially jarring for those who work to protect D.C.’s waterways.
Improvements Are in the Works, But We’re Not There Yet:
It’s not all doom and gloom. The District has been investing in green infrastructure projects, like permeable pavement, rain gardens, and massive tunnels designed to divert sewage away from waterways. These efforts have made some improvement in water quality, but we’re still a long way from safe swimming conditions.
For now, experts urge visitors to enjoy Rock Creek Park safely by staying on the trails, admiring the water from a distance, and yes, keeping your jeans dry.
