Does Water Contamination Increase in Warmer Months?

June 19, 2024

It may not be noticeable to you yet, but the water you drink and use to wash yourself may be more polluted now than it was during winter. Numerous factors result in poor water quality during the summer, which can put your health at risk. Some parties may be to blame for higher pollution in the summer to a certain extent.

Summer water contamination can be caused by toxins seeping into water wells or runoff into streams and rivers. Water, in general, is more susceptible to pollution at higher temperatures, so people are exposed to more dangerous particles.

Runoff Is Far Worse During the Summer Months

One of the major causes of water pollution is storm water runoff. Rain gathers pollutants on the ground and fertilizer from farms. The runoff makes its way into streams and the overall water supply. Since there are more storms in the summer, water pollution generally worsens. Sudden and violent rainstorms generally lead to more runoff that can threaten waterways.

In addition, summer is when more fertilizers and other agricultural products aid crop growth. As crops grow, the fertilizer washes off them when they suddenly get wet. This means more toxic substances run off into the water supply. At the same time, more people are driving on the road, so there is more slick oil on the roadways. Rainstorms also Sweep pollutants on the roads into the sewer system, ultimately polluting streams and rivers.

Summer months also mean higher electricity usage. Homeowners and tenants use their air conditioning more often, heightening the power demand. Utilities are some of the largest polluters of waterways. Higher emissions into the air ultimately taint the water supply.

Groundwater Can Also Be Contaminated During the Summer

Remember that many communities do not have access to water infrastructure, especially those located outside of cities. They are more vulnerable to water supply changes because they rely on groundwater. Just because water is in the ground does not mean it is immune from the effects of pollution.

The biology of water itself also makes it more likely to be polluted in the summer. Warmer weather leads to a more hospitable environment where toxins can take root in the water. Studies show water has the highest bacteria levels when the temperature outside is 90°F or higher. Harmful algae and other dangerous microbes can grow in the water when the temperature is warmer.

Further, higher amounts of sunlight increase photosynthesis. Plants convert sunlight into energy, absorbing nutrients from the soil around them. While this is happening, sunlight also causes the bottoms of lakes and rivers to mature much more quickly. This leads to more absorption, coating the bottom layer of a waterway with more muck. Ultimately, this harms the water supply because it has more toxic particles.

The problem is only going to get worse as climate change accelerates. These same factors are leading to more violent storms and higher temperatures in general. Consumers can expect a continued deterioration in their water supply during the summer months. People can anticipate suffering from more waterborne illnesses because of the pollution they bathe in and drink daily.

Contact a New Castle Environmental Lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. for Help Today

A New Castle environmental lawyer at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. can help you take legal action If you have suffered an illness or injury from contaminated water. You may be able to sue the polluter for financial compensation. Call us today at 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We have offices in New Castle and Millsboro, Delaware, and we serve clients in New Castle County, Kent County, and Sussex County.