The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California recently completed construction of
an 800,000 acre-ft (1 ¿ 109 m3) drinking water reservoir. Recreational activities, including
swimming and other sports involving direct body contact (BC) with the water, have been the
subject of considerable interest by local community members. Consequently, a modeling-based
risk assessment study was conducted to assess the potential public health
consequences to downstream potable water users consuming water from this reservoir if
BC recreation was permitted. Results of the study indicated that the annual risk of waterborne
illness would increase three times above background, despite conventional treatment.
Moreover, the occurrence of high-loading pathogen events associated with BC recreation
was observed to significantly increase the daily risk of waterborne illness to downstream
consumers. The study also considered the cost of additional treatment that would be
necessary to address the increased risk. The modeling approach used in this study provides
guidance for policymakers and stakeholders who are examining issues associated with BC
recreation and drinking water reservoirs.
Includes 57 references, tables, figures.
| Edition : | Vol. 94 - No. 5 |
| File Size : | 1
file
, 1000 KB |
| Note : | This product is unavailable in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus |
| Number of Pages : | 14 |
| Published : | 05/01/2002 |
