It’s hot out there so it’s understandable that you’ll be looking to cool off with a swim. Unfortunately, not every body of water will be safe all the time so it’s important that you know what to look for before you take a dive. An untrustworthy beach or lake can cause more health problems than the cool swim was worth.
5 Things To Look Out For When You’re Heading For The Water
1. There Was Heavy Rain Recently
Whenever there’s heavy rain, it’s possible for contaminants to get into different water systems. These contaminants can even come from wastewater treatment facilities.
While there are procedures in place to check the water quality after a storm, the results might not be available for as long as 48 hours after the tests have been done.
To be safe, it’s best to avoid all bodies of water within the area of the recent heavy rain for at least three days.
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2. There’s An Advisory In Effect
Even if it isn’t widely published, water quality results are routinely published by government agencies, health units, local agencies, and environmental organizations.
Whether or not there’s been a storm or some other concerning event, it pays to check if there have been any advisories about the beach you have in mind.
Additionally, these advisories don’t just apply to the water. Sometimes, the contaminants also affect the sand, so it’s not safe to play there either.
3. Something Smells Off
One sure sign that the water is contaminated is a bad smell. The stench can also be a sign that something is going permanently wrong. If you didn’t see an advisory from any of the environmental or health agencies, it’s a good idea to contact them about your experience. By testing the water, they can determine what the issue is.
4. There Are Drains Nearby
Sometimes the source of the water’s contamination isn’t a natural event. Pipes and drains from nearby manufacturing companies can lead to