WASHINGTON, DC, July 29, 2009 (ENS) – Polluted water at American beaches jeopardized the health of swimmers last year and climate change is making conditions worse, according to the 19th annual beachwater quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council. Climate change is expected to further increase the presence of pathogens that cause stomach flu, diarrhea and neurological problems in America’s beachwater. The number of closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches reached more than 20,000 for the fourth consecutive year, finds the report, which is based on data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. NRDC’s report, “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,” confirms that nationally seven percent of U.S. beachwaters are contaminated with human and animal waste that can make people sick. The highest level of contamination was found in the Great Lakes, where 13 percent of beachwater samples violated public health standards. “Pollution from dirty stormwater runoff and sewage overflows continues to make its way to our beaches. This not only makes swimmers sick – it hurts coastal economies,” said Nancy Stoner, NRDC Water Program co-director. For the first time this year, the effects of climate change were factored into the beachwater quality report. “The combined effects of temperature increases, and more frequent and intense rainstorms, will lead to increased stormwater runoff, sewer pollution and disease-causing pathogens in nearby waterways,” the report states. Beachwater pollution makes swimmers vulnerable to waterborne illnesses such as stomach flu, skin rashes, pinkeye, ear, nose and throat problems, dysentery, hepatitis, respiratory ailments, and neurological disorders. “For senior citizens, small children and people with weak immune systems, the results can be fatal,” the report states. “Nobody wants their trip to the beach to send them to the bathroom or, worse, the emergency room,” said Stoner. “It is vitally important to remember that if it has recently rained – or you see or smell a pipe discharging onto the beach – keep your head above water or avoid swimming altogether.” …
Climate Change Worsens U.S. Beachwater Pollution, NRDC Reports
