Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
Water testing at beaches recommended
A recent article in the Boston Globe says that state public health authorities are proposing to strengthen local government oversight of ocean and inland beaches that can be a haven for dangerous germs.
The rules would require beach operators to get a permit from the city or town board of health, which could then close the beach if it is not operated in a sanitary way. Currently, cities and towns test water at public beaches and report the results to the state. But some local boards of health have had only limited control over “semipublic” beaches, which include those run by hotels, camps, condominium complexes, and neighborhood associations.
According to the article, the rules would require beach operators to answer to local health boards and be more vigilant about testing and reporting results quickly; under the rules, dirty beaches would have to be reported to local boards of health within 12 hours of a positive test. The regulations also require that five days before the official opening of beaches water must be tested for bacteria. Signs would have to be posted listing beaches’ operating dates, so that beachgoers would be aware that the water was not being regularly sampled for bacteria. The regulations must be approved by the state Public Health Council, an appointed panel of doctors, consumers, and health policy specialists before being implemented.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said that tests showed an increase in the percentage of Massachusetts beaches exceeding acceptable bacteria levels. Nearly 6% of water samples from oceanfront beaches exceeded standards, while nearly 5% of inland beaches had worrisome bacteria readings. From 2001 to 2007, about 4% of readings from all beaches were above acceptable levels.
Health Hazards Associated with Pet Waste
The Department of Public Health also regulates pet waste on public beaches because it can contaminate the beaches and the water and make people sick. A brochure available from the Department describes the health hazards associated with pet waste.
Pet waste can contain bacteria and parasites, causing infections such as:
- Campylobacteriosis: A bacterial infection that causes diarrhea in humans.
- Giardiasis: A protozoan infection of the small intestine that can cause diarrhea, cramping, fatigue, and weight loss.
- Salmonellosis: Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Toxocariasis: An animal to human infection that is caused by roundworms found in the intestines of dogs. The parasite can cause vision loss, rash, fever or cough, and is a particular threat to children exposed to parasite eggs in sand and soil.
Dog waste may pose a health threat to swimmers, wildlife, surfers and other dogs. It can pollute the water and lead to beach closures and closure of shellfish beds.
Studies have shown that the combined impact of all pets and wildlife within a watershed can be significant when it comes to water quality and human health. When animal waste ends up in the water it decomposes, using up oxygen. During summer months, low dissolved oxygen levels harm fish and other aquatic life.
Beaches and shellfish beds may be closed if evidence is found that disease-causing bacteria and viruses are present in routine water testing. Pet waste can be a cause of test results that close beaches and shellfish beds. Efficient drainage systems and roads now make it easy for pet waste to reach beach waters. Waste left on the ground either passes through storm sewers untreated or washes directly into oceans, lakes, and streams. Pet waste can pose health risks when left on beaches or in other recreational areas.
The Department of Public Health recommends:
- Always carry a plastic bag to pick up your pet's waste.
- Do not throw pet waste near a storm drain; use a trash can. Pet waste can also be flushed down a toilet, but don't flush the bag.
- Make sure to dispose of pet waste in a sealed bag so it doesn’t spill during trash collection.
- Do not flush pet or wildlife waste from your deck or dock into the water.
- Obey local leash laws and seasonal bans at beaches.
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