The Development of Swimmable Water Quality in Washington D.C: a Case Study
Author
Schulman, Helen Talia
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2021
Submitted on
2021-06-04
Abstract
This thesis examines how Washington, D.C. can achieve swimmable water quality in the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers while delivering social, economic, and environmental benefits. Framed by global urban water challenges, climate pressures, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the study reviews the city’s history, current infrastructure, and future plans, including the implications of combined sewer systems, storm events, and upstream pollution. The methodology combines desk research with qualitative interviews with water quality program professionals in Copenhagen and Washington, D.C.; field observations were limited by the Covid-19 pandemic. Henrik Lund’s Choice Awareness Theory is used to outline a model for radical change toward swimmable urban waters. The analysis identifies deficiencies in existing water quality infrastructure and proposes remedies such as expanding green infrastructure, reducing local and upstream pollutant loads, and building community support. Criteria for siting and developing swimming areas are outlined and potential locations considered. The proposed changes are expected to enhance quality of life and economic vitality; empirical water quality outcomes are beyond this study’s scope.
Dette speciale undersøger, hvordan Washington, D.C. kan udvikle svømmevenlig vandkvalitet på Potomac- og Anacostia-floderne på en måde, der samtidig skaber sociale, økonomiske og miljømæssige gevinster. Med udgangspunkt i den globale udfordring med urbane vandforureninger og klimarelaterede pres samt FN’s mål for bæredygtig udvikling gennemgår studiet byens historik, nuværende infrastruktur og planer for fremtiden, herunder betydningen af kombinerede kloaksystemer, regnhændelser og oplandsforurening. Metodisk kombineres desk research med kvalitative interviews med fagfolk fra vandprogrammer i både København og Washington, D.C., mens feltobservationer blev begrænset af Covid-19. Henrik Lunds Choice Awareness Theory anvendes som analytisk ramme til at skitsere en model for radikale forandringer mod svømmevenlige byvande. Analysen identificerer mangler i den eksisterende vandkvalitetsinfrastruktur og foreslår afhjælpninger som udbygning af grøn infrastruktur, reduktion af lokale og opstrøms forureningskilder samt styrket borgeropbakning. Kriterier for placering og udvikling af badeområder beskrives, og mulige lokaliteter drøftes. De foreslåede tiltag forventes at forbedre livskvaliteten og den lokale økonomi; empiriske vandkvalitetsresultater ligger dog uden for denne studies omfang.
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