What happens to the bacteria, viruses and protozoa in swimming waters?
• Die off due to sun (ultraviolet exposure), salt water or age; • Predation by other organisms; and • Dilution. < back to top 10. What can I do to help improve water quality at the beach? Everyone can help improve water quality at the beach no matter where they live, work or play. Runoff from anywhere in the County eventually ends up at the beach and with the runoff, all the bacteria, litter, oil or grease it picks up along the way. Many of the storm drains lead to the beach, not to a treatment plant! Some easy things we can do to help include: • Properly dispose of animal wastes. Use a "doggie bag" when walking your dog and dispose in a trash can. Pick up after your cat. • Use a broom rather than a hose to clean driveways and sidewalks. Control irrigation flows to minimize runoff. • Properly dispose of household paints, chemicals and motor oil. Never pour chemicals on the ground or down storm drains. • Don't feed wild animals or birds. Their droppings can significantly increase bacter
