Swimming Advisories

Definition




Hawaii State Department of Health, posted a “Caution High Bacteria Levels” found at Kailua Beach Park on March 29, 2018, contact with water may cause illness, however,





Hawaii State Department of Health, posted a “Caution High Bacteria Levels” found at Kailua Beach Park on March 29, 2018, contact with water may cause illness, however, in the background you can see several people swimming in the ocean, Windward Oahu, Hawaii.
(©2018 Kelly A. Quin)

Description

Typically, water monitoring assesses levels of coliform bacteria (bacteria found in several environments, including feces) and sometimes more specifically Escherichiacoli, a type of bacteria found exclusively in feces, as a means of detecting the presence of feces in recreational waters. Since coliforms and E.coli do not survive for very long outside of the intestinal tract, their detection in water is an indication of recent fecal contamination. As a result, local authorities restrict use of water for recreational activities when the bacteria level exceeds standards for safe use.

The bacteria that are tested for are indicators of fecal pollution. They are used for testing because they can be detected quickly and inexpensively. Their presence in the water does not necessarily pose a health danger, since the coliforms may not be disease-causing. However, other bacteria in feces (such as species of Salmonella, Vibrio, and Shigella) can be dangerous. As well, disease-causing viruses can be present in feces.

Common diseases and disorders

A beach may be closed when the level of water contamination poses a definite health risk. Mildly polluted water can cause conditions such as a headache, sore throat, or vomiting. Highly polluted water can cause hepatitis, cholera, and typhoid fever.

See also Cholera ; Typhoid fever ; Viruses .

Resources

WEBSITES

United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Human Health: Advisories: Swimming Advisories.” http://www.epa.gov/ebtpages/humaadvisoriesswimmingadvisories.html (accessed October 16, 2010).

Liz Swain

  This information is not a tool for self-diagnosis or a substitute for professional care.