In a difficult and heartbreaking decision, the 31st Annual Buzzards Bay Swim, scheduled for June 22nd, was cancelled due to heavy rain. The downpour on the night before the event triggered discharges from New Bedford’s combined sewer overflow (CSO) pipes into the Outer Harbor, where the swim was set to take place.

This decision, though disappointing for the swimmers, volunteers, and staff, was necessary to ensure the safety of all participants.

A Call for Federal Action on CSOs

While the City of New Bedford has invested nearly half a billion dollars over the past 29 years to upgrade its wastewater infrastructure, the issue of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) remains a persistent problem. Despite these significant improvements and a much cleaner Harbor than when the swim began in 1993, the CSO discharges during storms pose ongoing risks.

Recognizing the increasing urgency of this issue, Buzzards Bay Swim participants are rallying to advocate for solutions. Along with the community of current and past swimmers, the Buzzards Bay Coalition has sent a letter to the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, calling for greater attention to the issue and increased federal funding to address CSOs.

The Growing Threat of Climate Change

This was the first time in the event’s 31-year history that the swim was cancelled due to CSO-related pollution, but it likely won’t be the last. With the increasing frequency and intensity of storms due to climate change, the chances of future CSO-related cancellations will continue to rise unless permanent solutions are implemented.

The cancelation serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of Buzzards Bay’s health and the need for continued action to protect it. The Coalition’s advocacy is part of a broader mission to secure cleaner waterways, not just for recreational swimmers but for the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

Despite the setback, the swimmers and their supporters remain committed to the cause. Their dedication to cleaner water highlights the importance of federal involvement in securing long-term investments to fix outdated wastewater infrastructure and prevent future overflows.