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Do we all face the same risk when bathing in the estuary?

Muriel Lepesteur1, Arthur J McComb, Susan A Moore

  • 1School of Environmental Science, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA 6150, Australia. M.Lepesteur-Thompson@murdoch.edu.au

Water Research
|July 4, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Recreational water contamination in Western Australia poses a public health risk, increasing respiratory illnesses by nearly twofold. Children aged 11-15 showed the highest risk, highlighting the need for age-specific risk assessments.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Public health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coastal development increases microbial contamination risks in recreational waters.
  • Few studies assess age-specific health risks from waterborne pathogens.
  • Faecal contamination in recreational waters is a growing public health concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess microbial contamination in the Peel Harvey estuarine system.
  • To evaluate the relationship between recreational water exposure and disease incidence across different age groups.
  • To inform public health strategies for managing risks associated with recreational water use.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted a survey of faecal contamination in recreational waters.
  • Estimated exposure levels through social surveys.

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  • Monitored disease incidence following recreational water activities.
  • Analyzed data for correlations between water quality, exposure, and illness, considering age demographics.

    • Main Results:

    • Pathogen levels frequently exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) guideline values.
    • Recreational water exposure nearly doubled the incidence of respiratory illnesses in the general population.
    • Children aged 11-15 years exhibited the highest risk (OR 4.23), with specific behaviors increasing illness incidence.
    • The majority of recreational users (69%) did not fit the demographic assumptions of standard risk assessment models.

    Conclusions:

    • Microbial contamination of recreational waters presents a significant public health risk, particularly for younger age groups.
    • Standard quantitative microbial risk assessment models may underestimate risks due to demographic variations in user groups.
    • Integrated approaches combining epidemiological studies, risk assessment, and social surveys are crucial for understanding and mitigating health risks from recreational water activities.