By Nicole Halper, Publishing Associate with Save the Water\u2122 | June 9, 2021<\/span><\/p>\n Summer is here and it\u2019s finally time to put on your swimsuit. Lakes, oceans, rivers, and ponds all have your name on them. But before you pack your beach bag, there\u2019s one more thing you have to do: check the weather, of course! We don\u2019t just mean the weather forecast\u2014we mean the weather <\/span>history <\/span><\/i>too. When was the last time it rained in the area where you\u2019re about to get wet? It may be too risky to swim after rainfall.<\/span><\/p>\n If it’s rained over half an inch in the last three days<\/b><\/a>, <\/span>it may be too dangerous to swim in open waters. <\/b>And by dangerous, we\u2019re not talking about high water levels and strong rip currents. Those are (usually) easy to see and understand immediately as threats. No, the danger to avoid while swimming after rainfall is invisible; microscopic, even!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In general, it\u2019s best to avoid swimming in coastal waters for one day after heavy rainfall, and avoid swimming in rivers and estuaries for three days after heavy rainfall. <\/b>This goes for tubing adventures, lazy beach days, surf mornings, or even boating trips where you decide to take a dip.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Research shows that rainfall causes an enormous influx of contaminants, pollutants, and microbes into the waterways<\/b><\/a>. Such a large influx that if you swallow water from those open waterways, or if the water gets into your eyes or open cuts, <\/span>you\u2019re more likely to get sick<\/span><\/a>. Forget the perils of sunburn! (Wait, no; don\u2019t. We definitely suggest you lather up with some SPF.) As a result of exposure to contaminated water, you might be dealing with diarrhea, chills, aches, fever, or worse symptoms caused by infection, even from the cleanest rivers and lakes you\u2019ve ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n On the surface, your area doesn\u2019t have to look heavily polluted for the local waterways to get you sick. <\/span>Invisible pollutants may include<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n Keep in mind that swimming pools are okay to swim in after rainstorms. <\/span>One tip: since the only water entering your pool will most likely be rainwater, be sure to check the pH first.<\/b> Rainfall is slightly acidic, so you may have to adjust the alkalinity of the water before you take a dip.<\/span><\/p>\n Storm water runoff contains microbes that may cause a variety of illnesses<\/span><\/a> when the water is swallowed or enters the body through other pathways (ears, nose, throat, or cuts). When you swim after rainfall, you run the risk of ingesting bacteria-infested water, you may contract gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Symptoms may include cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, stomachache, nausea, headache, and fever.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Other sicknesses caused by polluted water include<\/span><\/a> hepatitis; respiratory illness; ear, nose, and throat problems; giardiasis; amoebic dysentery; skin rashes; pink eye; and ear infections. As you can probably tell, getting any of these illnesses is no day at the beach!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It is best to avoid polluted waters for 12 to 72 hours following heavy storms. After three days, water levels typically return to what\u2019s considered safe. For detailed information about the safety of a specific beach, <\/span>check out the EPA\u2019s directory of coastal water quality<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\nWhat makes swimming after rainfall so dangerous?<\/b><\/h2>\n
What happens when it rains?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Surface runoff in rainwater contaminates the waterways.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n
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What are the potential consequences of swimming in contaminated water?<\/b><\/h2>\n
How can you avoid getting sick?<\/b><\/h2>\n
Avoid open water for up to three days.<\/span><\/i><\/h3>\n