Global Warming and Swimming, is it safe?

PuyoPiyo · 08-16-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Water, water, everywhere, but what is safe for swimming?

Did you know?

* The largest source of beach pollution is contamination from stormwater, which caused more than 10,000 ocean, bay and Great Lakes beach closings and water-quality advisory days last year.
* Nationally, 7 percent of beach water samples violated federal health standards in 2007. Washington fared better, averaging 4 percent, while Oregon did worse at 10 percent.
* Illinois beach water samples had the highest rate of health-standard violations in 2007, followed by Ohio, Wisconsin, Indiana and Louisiana. Alaska had the lowest rate of violations. Other states with low violation rates were New Hampshire, Delaware, Virginia and North Carolina.

Source: Natural Resources Defense Council.

Saturday, August 16, 2008
By Mary Ann Albright, Columbian Staff Writer

As temperatures rise, so too do water quality concerns. It’s tempting to head to the lake, pond or beach for a dip, but there are some risks to consider.

Bacteria and waste found in untreated water can cause stomach flu-type symptoms, rashes, pink eye, earaches, respiratory problems, meningitis, hepatitis and other ailments particularly dangerous for children, elderly people, cancer patients, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems, said Nancy Stoner, director of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Clean Water Project.

The safest places to swim are bodies of water that are sampled at least weekly, and that have an established record of complying with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards at least 95 percent of the time, according to the Natural Resources Defence Council. When bacteria levels exceed federal safety guidelines, advisories or closures should be issued immediately.

Based on these and other related criteria, the Natural Resources Defense Council recently rated 100 of the nation’s most popular beaches, lakes and bays as part of its 18th annual report, “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches.” Beaches received one star for each of five quality controls in place.

Nationally, 7 percent of beach water samples violated EPA standards last year. Washington coastal beaches fared better, averaging 4 percent. Still, none of the three Washington beaches included in the report met more than two of the five quality standards. The same was true for the two Oregon beaches listed.

Golden Gardens in King County received one star for good water quality. The same went for Oregon’s Cannon Beach. Alki Beach Park in King County and Seaside, Ore., each received two stars for meeting EPA standards three years in a row. Baileys Harbor Ridges County Park in Door County received two stars, one for being monitored more than once a week and another for prompt closures and advisories when needed.

The report only looked at coastal waters, and did not include any Clark County sites. However, local agencies monitor Vancouver Lake and Klineline Pond during the summer. Vancouver Lake is closely watched because it has historically had high levels of cyanobacteria, said Tom Gonzales, Clark County program manager for environmental public health.

It is tested for cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, and E. coli every other Monday by the county. Cyanobacteria produces toxins that can cause respiratory illness, rashes and, in extreme cases, kidney and liver damage or death. Cyanobacteria levels exceeding 100,000 cells per 100 milliliters are considered unsafe, a threshold set by the World Health Organization.

E. coli is an indicator bacteria signifying the presence of human or animal waste, which can cause gastrointestinal problems if swallowed while swimming.

The lake is closed when samples exceed 236 colonies of E. coli per 100 milliliters of water, a standard set by the EPA. The county posts signs and issues media advisories to inform the public of closures. Clark County Public Health also provides water-quality information on its Web site.

The lake hasn’t been deemed unsafe so far this year, but it was closed last August when blue-green algae levels spiked. The county plans to start testing weekly through the end of the month, since the bacteria are photosynthetic and reproduce more rapidly in sunny, hot weather, Gonzales said.

Klineline Pond is monitored because it’s a high-use area, said Vancouver aquatics coordinator James Fields.

Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department tests Klineline Pond weekly for E. coli. All samples taken this summer have been well within acceptable levels, Fields said. The pond was closed once last summer.

Battle Ground Lake is tested only when there is evidence of a problem because its depth makes it less susceptible to water-quality issues.

Though the county is prompt in posting warnings, there is a lag between when a problem can develop and when it can be detected.

Water-quality tests are culture-based and results typically take at least 24 to 48 hours. During that time, people could be swimming in polluted water. The Natural Resources Defense Council is pushing for rapid testing, which would allow for same-day results.

Meanwhile, it’s important for people to take precautions before diving into untreated water, said Stoner, who’s based in Washington, D.C. Here are some tips to help prevent swimmer’s remorse:

1. Do your homework

Before you go to a beach, lake or pond, check with local public health authorities to find out whether any advisories have been issued, Stoner said. If there’s a lifeguard on site, ask him or her about the latest water testing results. She also suggests checking earth911.org. At the top of the home page, select “Beaches.”

2. Use your eyes

When you get to the water, check for signs indicating a closure or advisory. At Vancouver Lake, Gonzales recommends looking for a blue-green scum atop the water. This could indicate high levels of blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria. Clark County Public Health also urges people to avoid swimming in slow-moving water that is warm and murky, or in water that is visibly contaminated with mammal waste or dead animals and fish.

3. Keep your mouth closed

Try to avoid swallowing the water, Clark County Public Health suggests. However, this may be easier said than done.

“You probably don’t realize how much water you ingest when you swim,” Stoner said, noting that small children typically swallow a lot more animal and human waste than adults do when swimming in untreated water.

4. Rinse off

Towel off thoroughly after swimming, and shower with soap and water after returning home, Clark County Public Health advises. This will rid the skin of larva that can cause itching.

5. Don’t swim after a heavy rainfall

Stormwater contamination is the largest known source of beach water pollution, Stoner said. Stormwater carries pollution from the streets to the beach without treatment when it rains.

6. When in doubt, keep out

If you’re unsure about the water quality, play it safe.

“It’s better not to swim than to end up spending the night in the bathroom or, even worse, the emergency room,” Stoner said.

7. Do your part

Help prevent water pollution by picking up trash, which attracts vermin. Also keep babies in tight-fitting plastic underpants when swimming to help reduce fecal contamination, Stoner urged.

Help oneline

The Internet offers several resources for checking local and national water quality reports. Here are some to consider:

The Natural Resources Defense Council recently issued a report, “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,” examining water pollution at 100 of the nation’s most popular beaches, including some in Oregon and Washington. To view that report, visit NRDC: Testing the Waters 2008.

The Web site earth911.org posts closure and advisory information on beaches around the country. At the top of the home page, select “Beaches.”

Locally, Clark County Public Health monitors Vancouver Lake, and Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department tests Klineline Pond. For more information, visit Public Beaches - Pools/Spas/Beaches - Environmental Health - Public Health - Clark County Washington. People also can call the county at 360-397-8428.

Mary Ann Albright can be reached at maryann.albright@columbian.com or 360-735-4507.

Water, water, everywhere, but what is safe for swimming?- Columbian.com, Clark County, Washington, Vancouver, Breaking News, U.S., World, Entertainment, Video, Weather, Sports

Doesn't sounds good.

Chase · 08-16-2008, 10:49 AM

Good advice about avoiding swimming right after a storm, and if you do, don't ingest the water and towel off thoroughly and/or shower with soap afterwards.

This weekend, Oregon has temperatures reaching 100. Global warming! Global warming!!

Naw, it's just the middle of August.

sequoias · 08-16-2008, 10:50 AM

Wow, not too bad here. They must have worked hard to try to keep the ocean clean.

~♥~Pinky~♥~ · 08-16-2008, 11:06 AM

Indiana? It's at Lake Michigan. My friend who is coming from in Portage, Indiana near by the lake He always go to swimming a lot. He never get sick. I did go to swim in Northern Mich. I didn't get any sick either.

Bottesini · 08-16-2008, 11:22 AM

I was never allowed to swim in a lake. The doctor told my parents it is much more likely to give ear infections and get more scarring on the eardrums. Very unsanitary.

PuyoPiyo · 08-16-2008, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Good advice about avoiding swimming right after a storm, and if you do, don't ingest the water and towel off thoroughly and/or shower with soap afterwards.

This weekend, Oregon has temperatures reaching 100. Global warming! Global warming!!

Naw, it's just the middle of August.

I disagree, the most hottest days of the year is during the July, not August. Also my city got the highest record with 105 degree all of the time and the news kept saying it was from the heat wave which Al Gore had always talked about. Obsiviously, global warming.

PuyoPiyo · 08-16-2008, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bottesini

I was never allowed to swim in a lake. The doctor told my parents it is much more likely to give ear infections and get more scarring on the eardrums. Very unsanitary.

Yeah that's why I stopped swimming around the lakes because they are too dirty and hurt my ears. I go to the pool instead at the most of the times, but still hurt my ears...

PuyoPiyo · 08-16-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~♥~Pinky~♥~

Indiana? It's at Lake Michigan. My friend who is coming from in Portage, Indiana near by the lake He always go to swimming a lot. He never get sick. I did go to swim in Northern Mich. I didn't get any sick either.

The article said that it will affect especially to those who are already ill or too young or too old, or pregnanted, etc.

Chase · 08-17-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuyoPiyo

Obsiviously, global warming.

Only obvious to someone ignoring science, world history, and who can’t divide days to find the middle of summer.

This year, summer in the northern hemisphere is June 20 to September 22. That’s 94 days, the middle of which is August 6. We’re still in mid-summer.

The majority of earth scientists agree the earth is in a warming cycle, but CYCLE is the key word. It's a natural phenomenon, not man-made. The finger pointing and Chicken Little panic on days when it should be hot comes from politicians looking for support from people who get their science from Hollywood.

PuyoPiyo · 08-17-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Only obvious to someone ignoring science, world history, and who can’t divide days to find the middle of summer.

I read about the global warming from Al Gore's book that I owned, so don't assuming me knowing nothing about the global warming.

Quote:

This year, summer in the northern hemisphere is June 20 to September 22. That’s 94 days, the middle of which is August 6. We’re still in mid-summer.

Ohh yeah like what the calendars said, but I already felt like summer a long before June 20, probably I feel like start on June 5 or 8 and then I already feel like summer is finished sooner than Sept 22, probably Sept 10th.

Quote:

The majority of earth scientists agree the earth is in a warming cycle, but CYCLE is the key word. It's a natural phenomenon, not man-made. The finger pointing and Chicken Little panic on days when it should be hot comes from politicians looking for support from people who get their science from Hollywood.

92 degree then dramatically go down to 76 degree tomorrow in my city, it is pretty obliviously come from the heat wave coming through from the hole in the ozone that caused from pollution we made, the heat wave came against us and went away so immediately which seems are strange, so please get real.

Chase · 08-17-2008, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuyoPiyo

I read about the global warming from Al Gore's book that I owned, so don't assuming me knowing nothing about the global warming.

Ha ha ha ha ha. Al Gore a scientist??? That's so funny. After claiming to have created the internet, no one with a lick of sense believes a word that blow-hard says.

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuyoPiyo

Ohh yeah like what the calendars said, but I already felt like summer a long before June 20, probably I feel like start on June 5 or 8 and then I already feel like summer is finished sooner than Sept 22, probably Sept 10th.

92 degree then dramatically go down to 76 degree tomorrow in my city, it is pretty obliviously come from the heat wave coming through from the hole in the ozone that caused from pollution we made, the heat wave came against us and went away so immediately which seems are strange, so please get real.

All of what you "feel" in the Pacific northwest has little to do with global reality. However, the weather you describe has many comparisons with official U.S. temperature recordings along the northern Pacific coast, as well as with stories of heat and cold handed down by sailors and natives.

What you "feel" isn't what real scientists "know," so you might want to reassess your idea of getting real. But of course you don't want to be realistic, because global warming has become a political football for mindless liberals.

Still, the advice is good to avoid swimming during and after storms.

PuyoPiyo · 08-17-2008, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Ha ha ha ha ha. Al Gore a scientist??? That's so funny. After claiming to have created the internet, no one with a lick of sense believes a word that blow-hard says.

He's an American Environmental Activist and works for some of Environment protection groups.

Quote:

All of what you "feel" in the Pacific northwest has little to do with global reality. However, the weather you describe has many comparisons with official U.S. temperature recordings along the northern Pacific coast, as well as with stories of heat and cold handed down by sailors and natives.

You can go ahead say "92 today and 76 tomorrow" is normal, I say it is not normal and also it is pretty obliviously that it have something to do with the global warming. I never experience like that when I was little, even never had experience 105 degree yesterday before. Wake up a little.

Quote:

What you "feel" isn't what real scientists "know," so you might want to reassess your idea of getting real. But of course you don't want to be realistic, because global warming has become a political football for mindless liberals.

Us the mindless liberals? You can go ahead sitting and do nothing, and keep destroying the environments, then someday you will not have any foods, water, anything to drink, nothing to eat, at all. Sorry we can't live that way and I don't want that happen.

Quote:

Still, the advice is good to avoid swimming during and after storms.

Yupp it was so.

Jiro · 08-17-2008, 04:56 PM

lol.... try picking up a book written by world renowned environmental scientist or a report by NASA. oh yea.... it's not as entertaining as Al Gore's Keynote presentation...

Yes it is global warming but not in the Armageddon sense like the world is melting and everything's will get flooded. This is a simply a change in environment for Earth to correct itself to balance the equation - called a "natural phenomenon." Global Warming in certain area means Global Cooling in other area just to correct itself. Well not going to bother explain more since you're still going to only listen to Gore's presentation.

All I can say is to go to geography class or pick up a book. I have a geography degree and my brilliant pragmatic professor explained in a great depth about global warming. It was a remarkable, eye-opening lecture that de-mystify world problems. Oh btw - he's a liberal and likes Al Gore's presentation but found many SLIGHT misconceptions in it.

PuyoPiyo · 08-17-2008, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiro123

lol.... try picking up a book written by world renowned environmental scientist or a report by NASA. oh yea.... it's not as entertaining as Al Gore's Keynote presentation...

Yes it is global warming but not in the Armageddon sense like the world is melting and everything's will get flooded. This is a simply a change in environment for Earth to correct itself to balance the equation - called a "natural phenomenon." Global Warming in certain area means Global Cooling in other area just to correct itself. Well not going to bother explain more since you're still going to only listen to Gore's presentation.

All I can say is to go to geography class or pick up a book. I have a geography degree and my brilliant pragmatic professor explained in a great depth about global warming. It was a remarkable, eye-opening lecture that de-mystify world problems. Oh btw - he's a liberal and likes Al Gore's presentation but found many SLIGHT misconceptions in it.

You said Global Warming existed as normally? Why don't we do something about it while it is killing some of us? That's what my point is.

Plus I have been notice that you are not really a respect to the liberal folks, always brought up to negative against the liberal people even though I never mention the word "liberal" till this old fart brought it up in this thread. I only debate, not insulting which are the immature behavior in the debate environments.

Chase · 08-17-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuyoPiyo

=I only debate, not insulting which are the immature behavior in the debate environments.

You aren't insulting? That's a laugh with all your anti-U.S. sentiments . . . crying over not having enough government assistance . . . and now personal attacks in thus thread.

Well, running off at the mouth over long distances is the way most little stinkers get thrills. But since we're neighbors, it's possible we may have better discussions face-to-face. It'll be interesting to see.

PuyoPiyo · 08-17-2008, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

You aren't insulting? That's a laugh with all your anti-U.S. sentiments . . . crying over not having enough government assistance . . . and now personal attacks in thus thread.

You can go ahead, accusing me much of not true about me. I love America, really, I resigstered to vote, getting know about Clark County, Washington more, include my city and my neighbor which I reffered to on my location status, "Fourth Plain Village", also I recently voted this month for the Washington State and Clark County governments and felt so proud of it.

If I was so that anti-US then I would never live here.

However, since I have been debating with you and I have to be blunt, it's sorta of immature to accusing others with untrue facts about them.

Grow up alittle, would ya old man?

Quote:

Well, running off at the mouth over long distances is the way most little stinkers get thrills. But since we're neighbors, it's possible we may have better discussions face-to-face. It'll be interesting to see.

Of course!

Chase · 08-17-2008, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuyoPiyo

Grow up alittle, would ya old man?

Ignorance is never more always apparent than when tiny minds try to write. There's no such word alittle or alot. It should be "P.P. only knows a little" and "P.P. has a lot to learn." Just trying to help you make your insults clearer, ha ha ha.

PuyoPiyo · 08-17-2008, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chase

Ignorance is never more always apparent than when tiny minds try to write. There's no such word alittle or alot. It should be "P.P. only knows a little" and "P.P. has a lot to learn." Just trying to help you make your insults clearer, ha ha ha.

ROFL! It was you who give me the ignorant in the first place and giving me myth assumes, and also bringing up the off-topic on my thread, so what do you expect me to do? Walk away from you? I think not.

Chase · 08-17-2008, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PuyoPiyo

I think not.

You're right; you don't.

Tousi · 08-18-2008, 12:15 AM

Puyo, nobody's questioning your citizenship, etc but some of us believe you and others are confused and mistaken about the whole global warming issue.

Jiro · 08-18-2008, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tousi

Puyo, nobody's questioning your citizenship, etc but some of us believe you and others are confused and mistaken about the whole global warming issue.

yes correct. Piyo - you are not FULLY educated on this issue. You saw Gore's impressive keynote presentation with full of nice little animated graphics and video clips of poor polar bears standing on small piece of ice. What Gore and you failed to is to see and understand the real hard scientific explanation.

Of course I know global warming is real and the Republicans/corporations who claimed it to be a hoax are

but the global warming issue is NOT the way you think - an alarming news that Armageddon is around the corner if we don't act fast! It is simply a natural phenomenon responding to change in advancement of civilization/technology, Malthusian theory, Global Cooling/Warming paradox, change in economic power/status, etc. - a very very complex equation but easy to understand.

Read up on these basic scientific explanations and social changes.... you'll see the real truth behind the global warming. It's nothing but a ruse brought up by certain special interests to fuel its agenda for one's economic gain. I can give you my lecture notes if you like. It's very detailed and an extraordinary thing to read. It should take you less than a week to finish it.

oh btw- how is global warming killing us? You mean hurricanes, tsunamis, earthquakes, and some ozone layer holes.... aka God's Wrath? pft nonsense.... yes there are increased frequency of such events... and yes it's become more pronounced but it's nothing new. It's always been like that since Day 1. and it's simply people (especially poor) living in high-risk area where it's prone to natural disaster - unfortunate but it's how it is.

Coastal Zone is where they can make a living - fish market, mud brick factory, etc. Their shelters are poorly built along coastal zone or on high-risk area like mountain.... Right now - there are simply much more people than before which is why you hear a large number of causalities in disaster news. It's easy to confuse it as victims of global warming.

Believe me - I thought of Global Warming exactly like you but after 1.5 year of courses for my geography degree (all related to natural disaster, geographical phenomenon, etc)... it surely really opened my eyes to see the real scientific truth behind all issues. It's very simple but of course... the special interest groups are spending millions and millions to hide these information from public.

Find that hard to believe? just look at how marijuana got banned in the first place. and how people are led to believe smoking is good and cool.

Jiro · 08-18-2008, 03:54 AM

"Asking geo-engineers to fix the climate is like asking an 18th ecntury steam train mechanic to repair the space shuttle. But given the size of the egos involved, something will be attempted anyway." --Ed Felter from New Mexico

"Hot Air - Inconvenient Truths was so focused on being inflammatory that it sacrificed reason. For example, your logic goes like this: IF air-conditioning is better than heating, THEN air-conditioning is GOOD. This is equivalent to saying that it is good to eat cherry pie for dinner just because it's not as fattening as chocolate cake. Both heating and air-conditioning involve CO2 emitting processes that could benefit from increased efficiency and better home design. Taking advantage of passive temperature regulation and living in houses suitable to the local climate would be logical first steps toward reducing our CO2 emissions. [rest deleted]" --Marni Koopman from Oregon

PuyoPiyo · 08-18-2008, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jiro123

yes correct. Piyo - you are not FULLY educated on this issue. You saw Gore's impressive keynote presentation with full of nice little animated graphics and video clips of poor polar bears standin

08-16-2008, 10:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
sequoias Subaru rules! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: The Evergreen State Posts: 12,768	Wow, not too bad here. They must have worked hard to try to keep the ocean clean. __________________

08-16-2008, 11:06 AM	#4 (permalink)
~♥~Pinky~♥~ I'm not come to AD. :( Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 4,674	Indiana? It's at Lake Michigan. My friend who is coming from in Portage, Indiana near by the lake He always go to swimming a lot. He never get sick. I did go to swim in Northern Mich. I didn't get any sick either. __________________

08-16-2008, 11:22 AM	#5 (permalink)
Bottesini Elf Assassin Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sneaking up behind you Posts: 5,833 Blog Entries: 2	I was never allowed to swim in a lake. The doctor told my parents it is much more likely to give ear infections and get more scarring on the eardrums. Very unsanitary. __________________ AllDeaf

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08-16-2008, 10:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chase Premium Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 2,316	Good advice about avoiding swimming right after a storm, and if you do, don't ingest the water and towel off thoroughly and/or shower with soap afterwards. This weekend, Oregon has temperatures reaching 100. Global warming! Global warming!! Naw, it's just the middle of August.

08-17-2008, 04:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
Jiro YOU DOMESTIC DISSENT! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 7,342	lol.... try picking up a book written by world renowned environmental scientist or a report by NASA. oh yea.... it's not as entertaining as Al Gore's Keynote presentation... Yes it is global warming but not in the Armageddon sense like the world is melting and everything's will get flooded. This is a simply a change in environment for Earth to correct itself to balance the equation - called a "natural phenomenon." Global Warming in certain area means Global Cooling in other area just to correct itself. Well not going to bother explain more since you're still going to only listen to Gore's presentation. All I can say is to go to geography class or pick up a book. I have a geography degree and my brilliant pragmatic professor explained in a great depth about global warming. It was a remarkable, eye-opening lecture that de-mystify world problems. Oh btw - he's a liberal and likes Al Gore's presentation but found many SLIGHT misconceptions in it.

08-18-2008, 12:15 AM	#20 (permalink)
Tousi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 8,236	Puyo, nobody's questioning your citizenship, etc but some of us believe you and others are confused and mistaken about the whole global warming issue.

08-18-2008, 03:54 AM	#22 (permalink)
Jiro YOU DOMESTIC DISSENT! Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 7,342	"Asking geo-engineers to fix the climate is like asking an 18th ecntury steam train mechanic to repair the space shuttle. But given the size of the egos involved, something will be attempted anyway." --Ed Felter from New Mexico "Hot Air - Inconvenient Truths was so focused on being inflammatory that it sacrificed reason. For example, your logic goes like this: IF air-conditioning is better than heating, THEN air-conditioning is GOOD. This is equivalent to saying that it is good to eat cherry pie for dinner just because it's not as fattening as chocolate cake. Both heating and air-conditioning involve CO2 emitting processes that could benefit from increased efficiency and better home design. Taking advantage of passive temperature regulation and living in houses suitable to the local climate would be logical first steps toward reducing our CO2 emissions. [rest deleted]" --Marni Koopman from Oregon