By John Q. Hosedrinker 
As Labor Day approaches, numerous U.S. beaches are facing water quality advisories due to unsafe levels of fecal contamination. These advisories, stemming from elevated bacteria associated with fecal waste, are widespread, with nearly two-thirds of tested beaches experiencing unsafe levels at least once in 2024. Outdated water and sewer systems, alongside severe weather and suburban sprawl, are key contributors to the contamination. While some beachgoers remain unconcerned, potentially unsafe levels of bacteria can cause illness in a small number of swimmers.
Read the original article here
Taking a dip Labor Day weekend – that idyllic thought of cooling off in the ocean or a lake is starting to sound a little less appealing, isn’t it? The reality is that, for many along the U.S. coastline, that dip could mean swimming in water contaminated with fecal matter. It’s a stark reminder of the complexities and, frankly, the failures in maintaining our basic environmental standards.
The core of the problem is pretty clear: our water quality is suffering. The EPA’s been weakened, regulations have been rolled back, and it’s a recipe for disaster. Without robust enforcement of environmental protections, businesses are more likely to cut corners, dumping waste into waterways. What was once considered unacceptable is now, potentially, the new normal. This situation is the result of a long-term trend, which goes way back.
It’s not just about the immediate risk of swimming in sewage. The story is much bigger, involving the release of forever chemicals, microplastics, and the creation of algae blooms. These problems lead to a decrease in the quality of life and make any day at the beach less enjoyable. There’s also the added fun of sun poisoning and a whole host of other things that could ruin your good time. And let’s not forget the potential for serious health problems. The irony is thick, isn’t it? While some folks are quick to dismiss concerns about health and safety, the reality is that contamination poses a real threat.
Then there are the opinions of certain figures who seem to believe that swimming in contaminated water is somehow good for you. The idea that exposure to bacteria and viruses somehow “strengthens” the immune system is, at best, a dangerous oversimplification, and at worst, incredibly irresponsible. It’s tempting to shrug off such statements as outlandish, but when those sentiments gain any traction, it’s a troubling sign of where things are headed. I think we can all agree, building up your immunity against harmful waste is not the key to health and well-being.
It gets worse. We’re looking at outdated water and sewer systems as part of the problem, too. These systems were not meant for the current population and are starting to leak. The result is contamination that reaches the places where people swim. It’s a problem of infrastructure, lack of investment, and a general disregard for public health.
Of course, the corporations that are responsible are not eager to spend money, as they tend to find it cheaper to just pay a fine rather than take responsibility. So, here we are. Fines do not fix this problem. And it’s not just a problem that can be blamed on any one administration or political party. This is an issue that has been brewing for decades, and it will continue to plague us until real changes are made. We need comprehensive solutions that address the root causes of this contamination, from upgrading our infrastructure to strengthening environmental regulations and enforcing them properly.
The bigger picture is that some people are seemingly unfazed by the prospect of swimming in polluted water. The level of disregard for the environment, and for public health, is alarming. The notion that it’s somehow acceptable to expose people to these risks is a sign of a deeper problem. We need to care about our public spaces, or they will continue to decay.
And then there is the financial aspect. Imagine the medical bills that come from swimming in contaminated water. It’s a burden that disproportionately affects the poor, who can’t afford better options or better care. It’s a cruel twist of fate that those most likely to be exposed to these dangers are often the least equipped to deal with the consequences.
The solution won’t be easy. It will require a commitment to restoring the EPA’s power, updating our water infrastructure, and ensuring that businesses are held accountable. It’s a lot of work, but it’s essential if we want to ensure that our beaches remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. And let’s be honest, the alternative—swimming in sewage—is simply not acceptable.