Ocean Contaminants
No one likes a crowded beach, especially one that’s full of trash and bacteria. It’s extremely important to make sure your beach is safe and free of ocean contaminants. Increased rainfall coupled with steamy, humid temperatures can lead to bacteria forming in and around the beach which can cause severe illness.
Whether you’re at the beach or in your home, its important to know that your water is pure and safe: You can request a FREE home water quality analysis here, and know for sure that your water is free from contaminants. We previously talked about how to avoid bacteria on the beach, but what exactly is lurking in the water? Here is a list of the top 5 contaminants that could be lurking in ocean water.
Top Ocean Contaminants:
5. Plastic Debris – We already know that humans consume and throw out far too many plastic products. Unfortunately these products often end up in the ocean, where it takes hundreds of years for the plastics to degrade. Bits of plastic end up contaminating water and harming ocean life.
4. Boating Waste – The environmental impact of shipping is huge. Sewage from ships and discharged ballast water contains viruses and bacteria that is extremely harmful for ocean life and unsafe for human interaction. Luckily Massachusetts restricts where boats can dump their waste.
3. Cyanobacteria – Cyanobacteria or “blue green algae” can develop exponentially in certain water conditions. The algae produces cyanotoxins, which are among the most powerful natural poisons known. Exposure to cyanotoxins can lead to respiratory failure and death.
2. Sewer Runoff – Storm water and sewage runoff is how most contaminants get into ocean water. Whether it be from improper human interaction, dumping, or a problem with drainage, it is important to maintain safe ways for runoff to get to it’s destination.
1. E-Coli/Enterococci – E-Coli and enterococci are bacteria caused by human or animal fecal contamination. E-Coli and enterococci cause gastrointestinal and upper respiratory problems when found at an unsafe level. These bacteria cause the majority of beach closings.
Staying Safe
The last thing you want to think about the beach is contaminants, and the possibility of getting sick; when you’re at the beach have fun but BE SAFE. Almost all water contamination comes from improper human interaction with water sources; we need to clean up our act. This means never disturbing public water supplies, proper dumping of chemicals or waste, and keeping good beach etiquette.
Luckily, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Bureau of Environmental Health conduct regular inspections to ensure water quality at Massachusetts lakes and beaches. Recently Boston kids played in the harbor to celebrate how far the ocean cleaning efforts have come. Be sure to check if your local beach has passed inspection, and keep an eye on the weather. Let’s all stay safe during these last weeks of summer!
