Rivers across the United States are facing a devastating crisis as they are being filled with human waste due to a staggering 50 percent increase in untreated sewage discharges over the past year. As Charles Watson, founder and chair of River Action, pointed out, the situation is dire, with untreated sewage either backing up into people’s homes or flowing out into nature, resulting in rivers being filled with human waste. This record 464,000 spills have sparked widespread outrage, prompting politicians to promise tough action.
Endurance swimmers like Seamus Fennelly are taking matters into their own hands, using water quality apps and the sniff test to assess the risks before taking a plunge in the river. This extreme measure is a testament to the severity of the issue, which has left many wondering if anything will change or if the rivers will continue to be filled with the unacceptable byproduct of human waste. The public is forced to resort to makeshift solutions and hope for a better future, but policymakers must step up and provide concrete plans to address the root causes of this crisis.
Simply promising tough talk or proposing radical solutions like nationalization without providing details is not enough. Immediate action is needed to prevent further sewage spills, restore water quality, and protect public health. The situation is dire, and it is crucial that policymakers take immediate action to address the issue. The public cannot continue to live in a state of uncertainty, wondering if their rivers will ever be safe to swim in or enjoy without the risk of coming into contact with human waste.
Without concrete plans, endurance swimmers and the general public will be forced to take matters into their own hands, awaiting a solution to the crisis that has left their rivers filled with human excrement. The public deserves better than just promises of action; they need tangible solutions to address the crisis. It is time for policymakers to deliver concrete plans to prevent further sewage spills and restore the integrity of America’s rivers.