The water bodies of the world have been suffering from the changes in climate as well. Recently, 16 beaches in UK have failed to maintain the water quality standards.I think 16 is an overwhelming number.
This clearly indicates a disturbing trend in the environment. The water quality has been tested at the 553 bathing sites during the first 10 weeks of summer. This year, there has been about a 10% decrease in water quality from last year. On top of everything, 16 beaches failed to qualify the minimum water quality standards.
May, June and July were some of the wettest months for the beaches. These months had a very negative effect on the British beaches. The torrential summer rainfall is the major cause behind the decline in water quality. But, there’s more to it.
Raw sewage, organic refuse as well as farm waste are some other factors contributing to the poor water quality. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is the organization responsible behind the studies. It is their job to declare or not declare the beaches safe for the public. According to Thomas Bell, MCS Coastal pollution officer:
Heavy rain will periodically sweep waterborne pollutants such as raw sewage, organic refuse and farm waste from the land into rivers and the sea. The problem for swimmers is knowing when that has happened.
One way of solving this problem would be creating very customized pollution control measures.Sewer systems need to be expanded. Another way would be to increase public awareness regarding this issue. I am glad that the English uses a system like mid season beach water quality testing.
Image Credits: BBC
