It’s hot out there so it’s understandable that you’ll be looking to cool off with a swim. Unfortunately, not every body of water will be safe all the time so it’s important that you know what to look for before you take a dive. An untrustworthy beach or lake can cause more health problems than the cool swim was worth.
Whenever there’s heavy rain, it’s possible for contaminants to get into different water systems. These contaminants can even come from wastewater treatment facilities.
While there are procedures in place to check the water quality after a storm, the results might not be available for as long as 48 hours after the tests have been done.
To be safe, it’s best to avoid all bodies of water within the area of the recent heavy rain for at least three days.
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Even if it isn’t widely published, water quality results are routinely published by government agencies, health units, local agencies, and environmental organizations.
Whether or not there’s been a storm or some other concerning event, it pays to check if there have been any advisories about the beach you have in mind.
Additionally, these advisories don’t just apply to the water. Sometimes, the contaminants also affect the sand, so it’s not safe to play there either.
One sure sign that the water is contaminated is a bad smell. The stench can also be a sign that something is going permanently wrong. If you didn’t see an advisory from any of the environmental or health agencies, it’s a good idea to contact them about your experience. By testing the water, they can determine what the issue is.
Sometimes the source of the water’s contamination isn’t a natural event. Pipes and drains from nearby manufacturing companies can lead to bodies of water because that’s where they dump their waste. Since you have no way of knowing what the water may contain, it’s best to stay away from it altogether.
Another possible sign of contamination is seeing murky water. Though beaches aren’t always crystal clear, being unable to see very far into the water is a good reason to be concerned.
Experts also warn against going into bodies of water that have blue-green algae. These types of algae aren’t usually considered during water quality checks but exposure to it can cause skin irritation, fever, diarrhea, nausea, and headaches.
Sometimes you can get exposed to contaminated water even if you tried to be careful. This should never be ignored. People who inhale contaminated water can develop respiratory illnesses as well as infections in the eyes, ears, and nose. If you swallow it, the impact on your digestive system could mean diarrhea and vomiting. In severe cases, you can contract diseases such as hepatitis, typhoid fever, and gastroenteritis. Irritants in the water can also cause rashes on the skin.
The first thing you should do after suspected exposure is to thoroughly wash your body with soap and water. Once that is done, you need to see your doctor immediately. They’ll assess your situation and any symptoms so they can decide on the best course of action.
Of course, it’s possible that you won’t see the ill effects of the contaminated water that soon after exposure. If you develop more issues after seeing the doctor, make sure to let them know as soon as possible.
While you might be dealing with one of the hottest summers to date, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be careful. When you’re ready to take a swim, take all the necessary precautions and see a doctor right away if you have any concerns.
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