Beaches Close To Protect Human Health

After heavy rain storms, swimming areas in Connecticut are sometimes closed due to high bacteria levels. Most of the state park beaches are currently open. But this weekend for example the swimming area at Wadsworth Falls State Park in Middletown is closed. WNPR’s Nancy Cohen explains.

 

When it rains, the water flows over the pavement into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Along the way it picks up pollutants, including animal feces from waterfowl, pets and wildlife. In addition, older sewage systems that combine rainwater and sewage, sometimes overflow into waterways during heavy rains.

 

Throughout the summer the Department of Public Health analyzes water samples from swimming areas to see if there are bacteria that can indicate the presence of human fecal contamination or untreated sewage that could make people sick. If the water is swallowed swimmers would be at risk of gastro intestinal illness, including vomiting and diarrhea. Paul Stacey of the Department of Environmental Protection says if the bacteria levels are too high then the D.E.P. closes the beach to protect people.

 

“We close on a precautionary basis. Studies have shown when the indicator bacteria exceed certain thresholds there is a potential there for human health risk. And we proceed cautiously and close the beaches.”

 

Many times, local health departments close beaches after a heavy rainstorm even before the water is tested. After a beach is closed, if there’s a dry period, the concentrations of bacteria often drop to a safe level and the beaches can be reopened.

 

For WNPR, I’m Nancy Cohen.