American Rivers Face Sewage Crisis, Disproportionately Affecting Poor Communities

Across the United States, rivers are undergoing a significant crisis primarily due to pollution, including sewage contamination. This problem is more pronounced in low-income communities, where residents face additional burdens compared to others. In Philadelphia, for instance, trash can be found along Cobbs Creek, a tributary of the Delaware River, highlighting the environmental challenges nearby residents encounter. Jerome Shabazz, who directs the Overbrook Environmental Education Center, has been active in cleaning up these areas, demonstrating that even short-term efforts can lead to noticeable improvements.

"You don't need a scientific test to tell you there's sewage coming out of there. You just need a nose." Nationwide, thousands of outfall pipes allow wastewater and stormwater to merge, sometimes leading to overflow during heavy rains that results in untreated sewage being discharged into rivers and streams.

Recent analysis reveals that lower-income and minority communities are twice as likely to experience untreated sewage dumping into their waterways, as indicated by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool. This tool compiles data to highlight communities that face socio-economic disadvantages and higher pollution levels, illustrating the lack of political power among these residents to advocate for change.

The current sewage systems in many cities date back over a century and were constructed before modern environmental regulations took effect. Although rebuilding these systems is often prohibitively expensive, there are alternative solutions that leverage natural landscapes. Lamar Gore, who heads the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge in Philadelphia, advocates for preserving urban marshlands, which can act as natural filters that absorb excess rainwater and help mitigate overflow from sewer systems.

Despite the benefits marshes provide, they still face risks from ongoing sewage discharges during heavy rainfall. Although Gore acknowledges that marshes can slow down and break down sewage, the limited space for expansion surrounding cities, homes, and industries poses a challenge. Shabazz emphasizes the urgency of addressing these issues, stating, “These are the things that should have the urgency of now.”

He insists that accepting such contamination is unacceptable on a basic human level and encourages concerted efforts to remedy the situation, ensuring local communities can enjoy their natural surroundings safely. Furthermore, CBS News has committed to revealing these pressing concerns about America’s waterways through their investigative report titled "An American River.