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Beach Pollution

Michael Forlini | Jul 30, 2008

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Americans take almost two billion trips to the beach and spend billions of dollars in beach communities every year. Sometimes people who swim at the beach get sick because the water is polluted. Coastal pollution can be caused from various sources. It can include anything from beachgoers and their trash, to things that impact coastal watersheds and ultimately drain to the beach. Some things that impact coastal watershed include:

Poor water quality from excessive nutrients created when fertilizers drain from lawns or agricultural fields
Litter washed into storm drains that eventually reaches the beach
Bacteria and other pathogens or algae blooms that can make it unsafe to swim and can cause illnesses
Pollutants that can make it unsafe to eat the fish or shellfish caught at the beach

Children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems, are most likely to develop illnesses or infections after coming into contact with polluted water - usually while swimming. The most common illness is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and the intestines that can cause symptoms like vomiting, headaches and a fever. Other minor illnesses include ear, eye, nose and throat infections.

Usually when beaches are closed, warning signs of health hazards are posted, when water samples show a problem that can cause both common and serious illnesses. In addition, overused beaches can place significant stress on the beach’s habitat. Having access to this type of beach information is very useful especially when planning vacations. More information, including the relationship between beaches and the environment.

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