What are some of the health risks of swimming in polluted water?
Microbiological contamination (e.g. poorly treated sewage) can cause a number of illnesses. The most common are gastrointestinal illnesses such as diarrhea and respiratory, eye, ear, nose or throat infections. Chemical pollutants may also pose health risks but disease-causing microorganisms from poorly treated sewage are a greater risk. Swallowing water is the main way pollutants enter the body. They may also gain entry through broken skin or through the ears, eyes or nose. Other physical hazards are possible when swimming in polluted water. If water is not clear due to contamination or weed growth, objects like rocks and broken glass are much less visible and more likely to cause injury. Ways you can help keep recreational water safe: • Avoid the water if you have an open wound or an infection. • Don’t use soap in recreational water. Soap nourishes algae and bacteria, helping them to grow. • Take limited amounts of food to beaches to discourage animals and birds which leave droppings.
