Are pollution alerts reducing infection risks?
As sea swimming gains popularity, concerns over water pollution are escalating. Researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Galway are investigating if real-time pollution alerts through a smartphone app reduce people’s exposure to waterborne infections.
The team will evaluate the effectiveness of sharing water quality information through Surfers Against Sewage’s free smartphone app, the Safer Seas and Rivers Service. The findings will help to enhance people’s user experience and reduce potential risks associated with sea pollution. Read the full case study here.
How are bathers at risk from polluted water?
Research has shown that sea bathers are at risk of illness from exposure to harmful waterborne bacteria and viruses caused by climate change and pollution.
Dr Anne Leonard is a Lecturer in Microbiology and Environmental Epidemiology at the University of Exeter’s European Centre for Environment and Human Health: “Spending time in blue environments like our oceans and rivers has proven health benefits. But, if the water quality is poor, it can expose people to harmful bacteria and viruses which can make people ill. While many (not all) water-related illnesses can be mild and clear up without medical treatment, they can still be uncomfortable and affect people’s daily lives.”
Dr Sinead Duane is a Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Galway: “Whether surfing, swimming or even sailing, reliable and real-time water quality alerts can help people to make informed decisions about where and when they get in the sea. This may reduce the number of people coming into contact with polluted water when the health risks are highest. Our goal is to find out if having access to this information has an impact on how water users behave.”
Empowering water users to make informed decisions
The significance of this study extends beyond our individual health. With climate change influencing weather conditions and bacterial preferences for warmer waters, coastal contamination is a growing concern.
Izzy Ross, Campaigns Manager at Surfers Against Sewage, says: “Untreated sewage and wastewater are regularly pumped out of thousands of sewage overflows around the UK, straight onto the beaches where we surf, swim and paddle. Add in heavy rainfall, which churns all manner of pollutants into the ocean – from farming pollution to road run-off – it’s not a pretty picture. We want the public to have safe access to the water so they can enjoy the vast range of benefits blue environments can bring. The Safer Seas and Rivers Service supplies the latest pollution forecasts and alerts, so you can make an informed decision on when and where it’s safe to get in the water.”
By enhancing the delivery of real-time water quality information, we hope to empower water users to make informed decisions, ultimately reducing preventable illnesses and fostering a safer and healthier environment for everyone.
Stay tuned as this BlueAdapt case study unfolds, revealing insights that could help to inform Europe’s approach to safer seas.
