As beaches across the country begin the busy summer season, University of Maryland researcher Kyle Brumfield joined FOX Weather to explain why elevated bacteria levels are prompting temporary beach closures and how scientists are working to forecast potential health risks before they occur.
Brumfield, a visiting postdoctoral research associate at the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies (UMIACS), discussed the environmental factors driving recent increases in bacterial contamination in coastal waters. He noted that heavy rainfall and changing precipitation patterns can create stormwater runoff that carries nutrients and contaminants into waterways, contributing to elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria such as E. coli and enterococci.
“These bacteria are best viewed as an environmental check-engine light,” Brumfield said during the interview. While they do not necessarily identify a specific threat, they can signal that conditions may exist for harmful contamination.
Brumfield explained that hurricanes and other major storm events can worsen the problem by washing contaminated water into recreational areas and stirring up nutrient-rich sediments where bacteria thrive. As climate patterns continue to influence rainfall intensity and coastal conditions, monitoring efforts have become increasingly important for public health.
He emphasized that beach closures demonstrate the effectiveness of existing monitoring systems, helping local authorities alert the public when bacterial concentrations reach unsafe levels. Precautions such as avoiding water with open wounds, showering after swimming and paying attention to local advisories can help reduce risk, particularly for young children, older adults and people with compromised immune systems.
Brumfield also highlighted research underway at the University of Maryland in collaboration with the University of Florida that uses satellite remote sensing and environmental data to predict elevated bacterial levels. The forecasting approach can identify potential risks up to several weeks in advance, providing communities with additional time to prepare and respond.