Public health effects of inadequately managed stormwater runoff.
OBJECTIVE
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.
Gaffield
Stephen J
SJ
Office of Children's Health Protection, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA. gaffield@facstaff.wisc.edu
Goo
Robert L
RL
Richards
Lynn A
LA
Jackson
Richard J
RJ
D017281:Cost of Illness; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D015980:Public Health Practice / Q000592:standards*; D011891:Rain; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014504:Urban Health; D014865:Waste Disposal, Fluid / Q000592:standards; D014871:Water Microbiology; D014872:Water Movements; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000191:economics / Q000506:poisoning; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis* / Q000592:standards
D014873:Water Pollutants