What causes beaches to be “Polluted”?
Bacteria and pathogens can be introduced into recreational beaches in three ways. First, feces from animals and humans may be washed directly into surface waters by the natural action of rainwater runoff. Runoff can be direct or travel through storm drains to surface waters. Second, deficienies in man-made systems (i.e., sewage treatment facilities, combined sewers, storm water systems, leaky sewer pipes) contribute untreated sewage to beach sites. Third, swimmers themselves may carry microorganisms into the water on their bodies.
