Washington ( CNN ) -- Swimmers , if you want to know how filthy that lake or stream is before you jump in , there 's now an app for that . The Environmental Protection Agency launched its My Waterway app on Thursday , available through the agency 's website . By identifying the user 's GPS location , the software allows swimmers and fishers to check the water quality in thousands of lakes , rivers and streams in the United States from their computer or smartphone . A list of waterways within five miles of the user 's search location is returned and includes details about the water condition . Users can also enter a physical address to get results . CNN checked the app from its Washington offices near the U.S. Capitol . The My Waterway app identified 19 waterways within five miles of the nation 's capital , all either listed as polluted or condition unknown . One of those waterways near the capital , the Anacostia River , has long been plagued by pollution so bad the Natural Resources Defense Council deemed it a `` poster child for America 's tragically neglected , abused urban waterways . '' The app 's results showed the river had low oxygen , murky water , pesticides , toxic chemicals and trash , among other warnings about the river 's condition . The EPA 's latest smart phone app was announced in conjunction with the agency 's 40th anniversary commemoration of the Clean Water Act being enacted on October 18 , 1972 . The software is available through the EPA 's website and not Apple 's app store or Google Play .
CNN launches its Google Play app , available through the agency 's website . Software allows users to check the water quality in 19 of lakes , rivers and streams . EPA uses app to check on Washington waterways and found lots of polluted sites .