Washington: This summer, Americans are finding it more difficult to cool off at lakes and rivers, as widespread beach closures due to E. coli and cyanobacteria outbreaks become more common. These issues are being fueled by climate change, with rising water temperatures and more frequent heavy rainfall creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth.
Bacteria, which thrive in warm environments, have been increasingly present as lakes and ponds have warmed at an average rate of approximately 0.6°F (0.3°C) per decade between 1985 and 2009. This warming trend is raising the risk of harmful bacterial blooms, even in regions that were historically cooler. Exposure to these bacteria can lead to a range of health problems, including skin blisters, rashes, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and even liver damage. Additionally, these outbreaks can significantly disrupt local ecosystems.
The economic impact of this growing problem is substantial. In the United States alone, efforts to prevent and treat harmful cyanobacterial blooms cost over $1 billion between 2010 and 2020, and this figure is expected to climb as global temperatures continue to rise.
Heavy rainfall plays a crucial role in these outbreaks by introducing phosphorus and nitrogen into lakes and rivers. According to Kaitlin Reinl, a limnologist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, stormwater runoff acts as "fuel and supplies" for bacterial growth. When combined with heat waves, these conditions can lead to rapid increases in both bacterial and algal populations, posing a significant threat to public health and the environment.
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