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. 2003 Sep;93(9):1527-33.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.93.9.1527.

Public health effects of inadequately managed stormwater runoff

Stephen J Gaffield  1 , Robert L Goo, Lynn A Richards, Richard J Jackson
Affiliations

Public health effects of inadequately managed stormwater runoff

Stephen J Gaffield et al. Am J Public Health. 2003 Sep.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the scale of the public health risk from stormwater runoff caused by urbanization.

Methods: We compiled turbidity data for municipal treated drinking water as an indication of potential risk in selected US cities and compared estimated costs of waterborne disease and preventive measures.

Results: Turbidity levels in other US cities were similar to those linked to illnesses in Milwaukee, Wis, and Philadelphia, Pa. The estimated annual cost of waterborne illness is comparable to the long-term capital investment needed for improved drinking water treatment and stormwater management.

Conclusions: Although additional data on cost and effectiveness are needed, stormwater management to minimize runoff and associated pollution appears to make sense for protecting public health at the least cost.

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Figures

FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Reported waterborne illnesses linked to pathogens or involving gastrointestinal illnesses of unknown etiology, 1991–2000. Note. Wisconsin reported the maximum number of cases, with 403 000 caused by the cryptosporidiosis outbreak of 1993. Source. Compiled from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
FIGURE 1—
FIGURE 1—
Reported waterborne illnesses linked to pathogens or involving gastrointestinal illnesses of unknown etiology, 1991–2000. Note. Wisconsin reported the maximum number of cases, with 403 000 caused by the cryptosporidiosis outbreak of 1993. Source. Compiled from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
FIGURE 2—
FIGURE 2—
Pathogen-impaired water bodies, 1998–2000. Source. Compiled from US Environmental Protection Agency data.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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