This week, United States Secretary of Health and Human Services
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. made headlines by swimming with his grandchildren in Rock Creek, a waterway running through Washington, D.C. that is known to be contaminated with dangerous levels of bacteria.

RFK Jr. said he hoped the act would bring attention to water quality — but swimming in polluted water isn’t a solution. It’s a photo op.

Rock Creek has failed recent tests for E. coli, fecal coliform, and other harmful contaminants, making it unsafe for recreational use.

National Park Service advisory says:
“Stay out of the water to protect streambanks, plants and animals and keep you and your family (including pets!) safe from illness. Rock Creek has high levels of bacteria and other infectious pathogens that make swimming, wading, and other contact with the water a hazard to human (and pet) health.”

Local residents, including many in historically marginalized neighborhoods, have been calling for real investment in cleaning it up for years.

If Kennedy truly wants to make a difference, we need more than symbolism — we need action.

We call on Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his campaign to publicly commit to funding and supporting a cleanup of Rock Creek and other urban waterways. Come up with a comprehensive plan to clean these waters from dangerous pollutants. 

Push for federal investment in stormwater and sewage infrastructure to reduce runoff pollution.
 

If this is a campaign about the environment, it has to start with real environmental work — not just performative stunts.