Housing and Habitability - Swimming Pools - Essay Example

There are many reasons for beaches being contaminated. “Fecal contamination occurs due to improperly constructed and operated septic systems and sewage treatment plants, manure spills, storm water runoff from lands with wildlife and pet droppings, or direct contamination from waterfowl, livestock, or small children in the water” (Iowa Department of Natural Resources). Other reasons are the presence of pathogens in the intestines of warm-blooded animals including human beings.

How fecal contamination is identified?
The best way to identify fecal contamination is to use indicator bacteria. Escherichia coli or E. coli and Enterococcus sp. are the indicators used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) office to identify fecal contamination in seas, lakes, rivers, etc.

Types of illnesses caused by contaminated recreational beach waters

The indicator bacteria, which are used to identify fecal contamination don’t make anyone sick. They are found everywhere in the environment. The presence of high levels of these indicators indicates that one has come into contact with fecal material and pathogens or disease-causing organisms may be present. Diseases like Diarrhea may be the result when anyone comes in contact with the contaminated water. Illnesses like sore throat, vomiting, sinus infections, stomachache, fever, headache, and other skin-related diseases might be caused due to fecal contamination.

Monitoring beaches
One of the difficult tasks for every health organization is to monitor the beaches. The beach monitoring advisory committee and Environmental Protection Agency have issued certain instructions that should be followed by everyone. Swimming in lakes, seas, rivers, etc., involves risks. Drowning is common in these waters sometimes lack lifeguards increases the difficulties in monitoring the beaches.

Proper care should be taken before entering the water. Advisory signboards should be read before adventuring into the waters. Instructions given by EPA and beach monitoring agencies should be strictly followed. They are made to caution the citizens of the hazards involved in contaminated water. Read More