How clean is the water?
Much cleaner than most people realize. The waters around Governors Island are regularly monitored by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). We can only hold this race if the water quality conforms to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) standards. For many years water quality has averaged levels better than NYSDEC standards for primary contact. However, in the event of heavy rain water quality can become compromised for up to 24 hours.
Runoff after a heavy rain can contaminate the Bay water. Generally, though, the water is clean enough to swim in every day. The salty taste, lack of clarity due to algae and other marine life, and ocean smell may be off-putting to some. These aspects aren’t “dirty”, and you will get used to it the way you got used to the chlorine. Check this link for current water quality.
