The Effect of Precipitation on the Microbiological Quality of Bathing Water in Areas under Anthropogenic Impact

Intense rainfall can affect bathing water quality, especially in areas with poorly developed sewage systems or combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of precipitation on coastal bathing water quality in the area of Split and Kastela (Adriatic Sea), the urban areas where CSOs were applied. The study was conducted during two bathing seasons, 2020 and 2021. The sampling of coastal waters and measurement of physical/chemical parameters was performed every two weeks and after a precipitation event of more than 2 mm. The impact of precipitation on the quality of coastal bathing waters was not noted in the Split area nor in Kastela, probably due to the low amount of precipitation. The quality of bathing waters in the Kastela area was significantly worse than in the Split area, which is due to the condition of the sewage system in these areas and not the precipitation effect. It was also revealed that bathing water quality depends on the timing of sampling and the indicator against which it is assessed. Escherichia coli (E. coli) proved to be a better indicator for early morning sampling, while intestinal enterococci were better for late morning sampling.

Automated summary

The impact of precipitation on coastal bathing water quality was assessed in the Split and Kastela areas. The study found that the quality of bathing waters in these areas was not significantly affected by precipitation. However, the sewage system condition in the Kastela area resulted in poorer water quality compared to the Split area. The timing of sampling and the choice of indicator also influenced the assessment of bathing water quality.