Is it safe to swim in the Jordan River?

Q – Is it safe to recreate in or near the Jordan River? A – Currently, we have a “Caution” on the Jordan River. This means that you should avoid areas of scum when boating, keep pets away, do not drink the water, and not swim. The levels in the Jordan River are low currently but levels are above the limit in Utah Lake.



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Q – Is it safe to recreate in or near the Jordan River? A – Currently, we have a “Caution” on the Jordan River. This means that you should avoid areas of scum when boating, keep pets away, do not drink the water, and not swim.

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While the headwaters are relatively unaffected, the Lower Jordan River consists primarily of untreated sewage and agricultural return flows, groundwater seepage, as well as brackish water from springs diverted into the river away from the Lake Tiberias area. The Lower Jordan River in particular is extremely polluted.

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While the headwaters are relatively unaffected, the Lower Jordan River consists primarily of untreated sewage and agricultural return flows, groundwater seepage, as well as brackish water from springs diverted into the river away from the Lake Tiberias area. The Lower Jordan River in particular is extremely polluted.

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The Jordan River has been a repository for waste since the settling of the Salt Lake Valley. For 100 years, raw, untreated sewage was dumped into the river; farming and animal runoff occurred; and mining operations led to 40 smelters being built and contaminating the river with heavy metals, mostly arsenic and lead.

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The Bible says Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. The river's eastern bank, modern-day Jordan, and its western one both house baptismal sites, where rituals of faith unfold, a reflection of the river's enduring religious, historical and cultural allure.

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As the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ, the Jordan River is the source of all holy water in Christianity and has for centuries attracted pilgrims from across the world.

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Although the exact spot where the water is now is not historical, like the old baptism site, it is still spiritual. It's what the Jordan River represents that is so important. It's where Christians of today can come and perform baptisms in the same river where John the Baptist performed one on Jesus 2000 years ago.

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In the harsh desert environment, water evaporated, leaving behind the salty remains that are still there today. The Jordan River feeds the Dead Sea, and since there is no outlet for the water, it mixes with the salt and evaporates and the process continues. It's been an important part of many lives throughout history.

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Several natural and man-made hazards exist along the river, some of which have cost people their lives. It is important to scout out your route before attempting to paddle the river, and to know where and when to exit the river safely.

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Boaters must always wear appropriate personal flotation devices (PFDs) and having any other safety equipment necessary for safe paddling. Conditions on the river can change without warning. Periods of high water flow, such as during spring snow melt or after storm events can create new or different hazards.

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What remains of the once mighty Jordan is made up of waste water and the runoff from agricultural land. It is in this brown-colored cocktail of sewage and chemicals that pilgrims have been bathing.

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According to Mark 1:5, it states “And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.” From the Old to the New Testament, the Jordan River has been an incredibly significant place in Christianity.

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Jordan River However, despite its proximity, this water isn't heavily fished and provides great opportunities for catfish, bullhead, carp, white bass and walleye.

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Jordan is a word derived from the root of the word descend in the Semitic languages, which refers to the stream that descends rapidly, and this name accurately describes the course of the Jordan River, especially in the upper region of it above the Sea of Galilee.

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