Do you have What are facts about beach pollution?

Answer 1

• In 2002, beach pollution prompted at least 12,814 closings and swimming advisories at ocean, bay, Great Lakes, and some freshwater beaches.
• Storm water and polluted runoff are potential problems at more than half (1,383) of all reported beaches with information on pollution sources, and 46% (1,152) report sewage as a pollution source.
• Beach pollution is usually infrequent and confined to local areas.
• Dirty runoff and storm water (led to more than 3,576 closings and advisories nationwide) and sewage spills and overflows (led to more than 1,390 closings and advisories nationwide) are the most frequently identified pollution sources.
• Rain is often a contributing factor to beach water pollution.
• The majority (87%) of closings and advisories in 2002 were issued after monitoring revealed the presence of bacteria associated with fecal contamination (source unknown in most cases).
• Swimming-related illnesses are usually not severe or life threatening, but can cause significant discomfort. Young children, the elderly, and people with impaired immune systems are at more of a risk than healthy, mid-aged people.
• Gastroenteritis (symptoms = diarrhea and vomiting) is the most common waterborne illness.
• A recent Southern California study revealed that people who swim close to flowing storm drains were 50% more likely to develop a variety of symptoms than those who swim further away from the same drain.
• Simple ways individuals can help to clean their local beaches include conserving water, using natural fertilizers, keeping septic systems functioning properly, disposing of boat wastes appropriately, and supporting laws that promote beach water monitoring and cleanup of pollution sources.

Most U.S. beach closings result from high levels of harmful microorganisms found in untreated or partially treated sewage (most of which enters the water from combined sewer overflows, sanitary sewer overflows, and malfunctioning sewage treatment plants). Heavy rainfall can overload sewer systems which carry raw sewage to sewage treatment plants. When flows exceed the capacity of the system, sewers can overflow and discharge untreated sewage from manholes and bypasses at pump stations and sewage treatment plants. The discharges flow into local waterways and pollute the water. Rainwater can also pick up pollutants as it washes over land, and boost the overall volume of storm water and polluted runoff that reaches coastal waters. Another significant source of beach water pollution is untreated storm water runoff from cities and rural areas. Additional local sources of pollution in beach waters are boating wastes and malfunctioning septic systems. Severe natural events such as hurricanes and floods may contribute to beach water pollution. In many cases, the sources of beach water pollution have not been tracked down. The vast majority of nationwide closings and advisories in 2002 (87%) were issued because monitors detected bacteria associated with fecal contamination; however, the source could not be identified.