A new report by Colorado-based pressure group Environment America has shed light on the alarming state of beach water quality in the United States. Testing conducted at over 3,000 beaches along the country’s coastlines has revealed that more than half of them, approximately 55 percent, had unsafe levels of sewage in their waters on at least one day in 2022. Even more concerning, one in nine beaches exhibited persistently unsafe levels throughout the year.
The study highlights the significant health risks associated with swimming in contaminated water. Approximately one in 30 individuals who swim in sewage-contaminated water are at risk of falling ill, whether through ingestion or infections. Symptoms can range from stomach problems, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps to more severe cases involving vomiting and infections.
Southern states along the Gulf Coast, including Florida, Texas, and Louisiana, bore the brunt of the contamination, with a staggering 84 percent of their beaches experiencing fecal contamination in 2022. The West Coast, specifically California, Oregon, and Washington, followed suit with 70 percent of their beaches being polluted at least once last year. Beaches surrounding the Great Lakes, such as those in Wisconsin and Illinois, also suffered from high levels of feces, with 63 percent exhibiting contamination.
Over half of US beaches contain unsafe levels of 💩 https://t.co/YcTkuFfKpb @BallonaWetlands Have you been tested?
— V E N I C Ξ (@VeniceIntel) July 10, 2023
The report’s findings have raised serious concerns among experts, who warn of the link between pollutants and severe health conditions like cancer and infertility. John Rumpler, the clean water program director at Environment America, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue and preventing its escalation. Bold action is necessary to combat the troubling trends that contribute to beach pollution.
Factors contributing to the contamination include stormwater overflow from drains and sewage systems during heavy rainfall, as well as manure runoff from industrial farms that finds its way into rivers and eventually the sea.
Efforts to address the problem have been hindered by insufficient funding. While Congress allocated $11.7 billion for sewage system repairs and new stormwater drainage construction in 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that a staggering $271 billion is needed to tackle the issue effectively.
To combat beach pollution, Environment America has recommended increased investment in systems to prevent or minimize runoff from urban areas. This includes implementing features such as permeable pavement and green spaces, as well as adopting “green roofs” in neighborhoods. Furthermore, modernizing and repairing sewage systems is crucial to prevent overflow and waterway pollution. The protection of wetlands, which can act as natural filters and absorb floodwaters, is also paramount in reducing contamination.
As alarming incidents, like mass animal deaths and toxic algal blooms, continue to occur, the need for immediate action to safeguard the quality of beach water across the United States becomes increasingly apparent. With millions of Americans visiting beaches each year, it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure their safety and protect the environment.
