[Paddlewise] How dirty is it?

Hi everyone!

I guess this is directed more towards our New York paddlers or other city 
dwellers: I just finished reading an article in the new Outside magazine 
about the NY police scuba unit and it contained some really nasty 
descriptions of New York Water quality in the rivers- a plethora of nasty 
little bugs and carcinogens etc. Now, I know there is a big difference 
between paddling on top and mucking about in the bottom goo/fecal sludge, 
but I'm wondering if anybody takes special pollution precautions? How bad IS 
the water? Are there certain areas you just don't go, or do you go and then 
immerse both you and your boat in a sterilization bath before pulling out?

I'm not trying to be insulting to NY waters or anything,I've been captivated 
by Ralph's descriptions of his city paddling...I'm just curious, since we've 
been talking about risk so much lately...:)

Allison

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