Predictability of swimming prohibitions by observational parameters: a proactive public health policy, Stamford, Connecticut, 1989-2004.
Journal of Environmental Health › Vol. 72 Nbr. 1, July 2009
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Predictability of swimming prohibitions by observational parameters: a proactive public health policy, Stamford, Connecticut, 1989-2004.
Introduction
The method used by the city of Stamford laboratory to determine what conditions warrant a preemptive closure may be applicable to any recreational water body. Knowing that bacterial elevations can be due to the flushing of urban areas through rivers, streams, and storm drains, as opposed to a point source (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency [U.S. EPA], 1995) helps direct resources. In 2000, U.S. EPA listed Stamford and two states as having established models for preemptive closure of bathing waters. The hope is that this will assist and prompt others to establish their own methods and parameters for recreational water closures (U.S. EPA, 1999). Prior to 1990, beach closures were based on bacteria tests taken from designated points along the beach. If one or more samples from a beach were found to contain more than the recommended level of bacteria, the beach was closed and more samples were taken. Sampling continued until acceptable levels were obtained and then the beach was reopened. Samples were usually taken on Monday, so if test results were elevated, retesting could occur prior to the weekend. Samples were rarely collected if it was rai...See the full content of this document
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