It is difficult to make a broad statement about the safety of Kalamazoo River Watershed waterbodies for swimmers simply because the watershed has so many different types of waterbodies.  But generally, swimming, wading, paddling and other recreational activities are possible in most watershed locations.

Swimming in the lower portion of Kalamazoo River is not prohibited by the State of Michigan based on the law and monitored water quality. Sediments in the lower portion of the River are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), but the primary pathway for those contaminants to reach humans is through the food chain (eating fish).  There was a great deal of concern in the past that contaminant levels in the flowing river waters were high enough that swimming should be restricted, but river water does not currently contain significant hazards and public health officials indicate that general recreation is possible.

There are exceptions that cause many people to avoid the river at certain times.  Like most rivers, the Kalamazoo can become rather muddy when heavy rains erode materials from the land.  That land can be city streets, roadways, and farmland. Some public beaches in the watershed are monitored for the presence of pathogens like E. coli.  Check with county public health officials for more details.