Monash University experts are available to comment on the impact of contamination in urban waterways and its broader social and economics implications.
Dr Anna Lintern, Department of Civil Engineering
Contact: +61 422 234 413 or Anna.Lintern@monash.edu
The following comments can be attributed to Dr Lintern:
"This is an example of how pollution of waterways isn’t just an environmental problem, but also a social and economic problem. Our cities rely on having clean and healthy waterways for healthy societies, thriving economies, and in this particular case, a successful sporting event.
“Microbial contamination in rivers can come from untreated human sewage and waste from domestic pets. Contamination levels tend to spike after heavy rainfalls, which is why many agencies recommend that we avoid swimming in urban waterways 48 hours after rainfall.
“Improving ageing infrastructure and the capacity of our stormwater system to handle big rain events – which will become more frequent and common with climate change – is a critical way to prevent events like this from happening in the future. In our cities in particular, using ‘Green Infrastructure’ or ‘Nature-based solutions’ that reduce stormwater flows will also help reduce the amount of contaminants entering our urban waterways after heavy falls."
Dr Brandon Winfrey, Department of Civil Engineering
Contact: +61 477 695 646 or Brandon.Winfrey@monash.edu
The following comments can be attributed to Dr Winfrey:
“Any time it rains in a city, the risk of pathogens entering waterways increases. This can be from rainwater basically rinsing our streets and roofs into our drainage system or from cross-connections between sanitary sewers and storm drains. There are guidelines for deeming water quality safe for recreation, which the officials in Paris need to consider when determining athlete safety.”
For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or media@monash.edu
