Due to contamination, swimming in Rock Creek, the Potomac River and nearby waters has been banned since 1971, NBC News said. A 2022 report from the D.C. Water and Sewer Authority showed "chronic elevated levels" of E.coli in Rock Creek. Sewage and stormwater has also added dangerous bacteria to the waters.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. posted photos Sunday of him and his family swimming in Rock Creek where swimming is not allowed “due to high bacteria levels.”

Since 1971, health officials have advised against swimming in the creek because the city’s sewage system flows into it.