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The Conversation
The Conversation
Daniel Bain, Associate Professor of Geology & Environmental Science, University of Pittsburgh

Should you swim in Pittsburgh’s rivers? A water researcher breaks down the answer

Pittsburgh's three rivers are monitored for water quality under federal Clean Water Act standards. pawel.gaul/E+ collection via Getty Images

In May, newly drafted Pittsburgh Steelers offensive guard Gennings Dunker amused Pittsburgh residents during a news segment, asking whether it was OK to swim in the rivers or eat the fish he planned to catch.

The live reaction – surprise, laughter and more than a little uncertainty about the right answer – revealed something the Pittsburgh Water Collaboratory encounters regularly in its public outreach: Many Pittsburghers aren’t sure whether their rivers are safe.

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