The Hidden Dangers of Stormwater
The Dirty Truth About Stormwaters
Heavy storms often hit Pennsylvania and cause flooding, especially in low areas, near rivers, and cities with poor drainage.
Floodwater and runoff carry harmful germs and chemicals and can spread disease. Even after the water dries up, these contaminants can still cause illness, especially for those using well water.
In fact, it is estimated that more than half of the documented waterborne disease outbreaks since 1948 have followed extreme rainfalls ¹.
Waterborne Diseases
Stormwater carries an enormous amount of pollution, including sediment, car oil, lawn fertilizers, pesticides, pet poop (and viruses and bacteria), and cigarette butts ². Exposure to this water can cause health concerns, such as:
Hepatitis A
A viral infection spread through contaminated food and water, causing fever, nausea, and jaundice.
E. coli
Bacteria from animal waste and sewage that can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and kidney complications.
Giardia and Cryptosporidium
Waterborne parasites that trigger gastrointestinal illness, often causing prolonged diarrhea and dehydration.
Leptospirosis
A bacterial infection spread floodwater contaminated with animal urine, which can cause fever, muscle aches, kidney damage, and liver failure.
Exposure to storm-related rainfall was associated with a 48% increase in certain types of E. coli infections 1 week after storms and a 52% increase in Cryptosporidiosis cases during storm weeks ³.
Vector-Borne Diseases
Flooded areas and stagnant water create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects. Some of the most common vector-borne diseases include:
West Nile Virus
A virus spread by mosquitoes that can cause flu-like symptoms and, in severe cases, neurological complications.
Tick-Borne Diseases
Increased humidity after flooding leads to more ticks, which raises the risk of Lyme disease and other illnesses.
Environmental Risks
Flooding disturbs soil, mold, and fungal spores, and leaves behind moisture, all of which promotes the growth of mold and the release of airborne pathogens. These can trigger respiratory issues, especially in vulnerable populations. Some of the most common include:
Mold-Related Respiratory Illnesses
Exposure to mold spores in damp buildings can cause asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and lung infections.
Legionnaires’ Disease
Bacteria found in stagnant water can become airborne, especially through large building air conditioning units, leading to severe pneumonia-like symptoms. Exposure to storm-related rainfall was associated with a 42% in increase Legionnaires’ disease 2 weeks after storms ³.
Histoplasmosis
A fungal infection caused by inhaling spores from disturbed soil, particularly in areas with bird or bat droppings.
Allergies and Asthma
Flood-related mold, dust, pollen, and airborne particles can intensify allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups.
Well Water Contamination After Flooding
Many rural homes rely on well water, which can become unsafe after heavy storms or runoff. Contaminants like E. coli, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and harmful chemicals from agricultural or industrial sites can seep into wells. If your well has been exposed to floodwater, do not drink or use the water until it has been tested.
How HNL Lab Medicine Can Help
HNL Lab Medicine makes it easy to get the lab work you need. If you or a loved one experience symptoms after exposure to contaminated water, it is important to visit your healthcare provider for an evaluation.
After seeing your healthcare provider, visit one of HNL Lab Medicine’s Patient Service Centers for quick and reliable testing, ensuring you receive the care you need to recover and stay healthy. For added convenience, HNL Lab Medicine also offers select tests through HNL Lab Tests Direct.
REFERENCES
¹ Gaffield, S. J., Goo, R. L., Richards, L. A., & Jackson, R. J. (2003). Public health effects of inadequately managed stormwater runoff. American journal of public health, 93(9), 1527–1533. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.93.9.1527.
² Department of Environmental Protection. (n.d.). How to be stormwater smart. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dep/programs-and-services/water/clean-water/stormwater-management/be-stormwater-smart.html.
³ Lynch, V. D., & Shaman, J. (2023). Waterborne Infectious Diseases Associated with Exposure to Tropical Cyclonic Storms, United States, 1996-2018. Emerging infectious diseases, 29(8), 1548–1558. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2908.221906.