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This article analyzes changing conceptions of the Tietê river, in São Paulo, Brazil, in the first four decades of the twentieth century as perceived by rowing clubs and the sports press. The historical sources consulted were local newspapers and magazines produced by the clubs. Between 1900 and 1920, as these institutions started to offer water sports, the discourse in the sources vis-a-vis the promotion of health through such sports is positive. However, this relationship changes in the 1930s and 1940s. The Tietê, once synonymous with sport, health, and entertainment, becomes so polluted that it is considered inadequate, making sporting events on its waters unfeasible.