On a hot summer day there are few things that are more refreshing than a cool dip in the pool or ocean. However, what begins as a fun summer activity can quickly turn into a trip to the doctor or emergency room if you unknowingly swim in contaminated water.

Unfortunately homeowners with swimming pools treated with chlorine are often lulled into a false sense of security, thinking that chlorination will protect them. Think again. Chlorine does not kill all germs instantly. In addition, there are even germs that are tolerant to chlorine.

The dangers of e.coli in public swimming areas is well known, but two other nasty bacteria — Pseudomonas Aeruginosa for spa and pools and Enterococci for river and bay water — can also cause recreational water illnesses or RWIs. Although the most common RWI is diarrhea, RWIs include a wide variety of infections such as gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections. Like many opportunistic bacteria, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa and Enterococci are particularly susceptible to those populations with weakened immune systems as well as the elderly.

“There are a lot common sense things we can do to protect ourselves and our families from RWIs,” says Eva DiGiovine Stoops of Centreville, vice president of Chesapeake Environmental Lab (CEL). “Changing diapers in the house and away from poolside and having your kids take frequent potty breaks just makes good sense. Also encourage your kids not to swallow pool water. If you aren’t sure that you are taking the proper precautions with your own pool or spa have the water tested by a reliable lab,” she adds.

Founded in 1991, Chesapeake Environmental Lab (CEL) is a Maryland State Certified Water Quality Laboratory (#181) that conducts water testing for homeowners, real estates agents, wastewater treatment plants, public and private entities that oversee rivers and beaches in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore counties, as well as Maryland’s Eastern Shore and parts of Delaware.

CEL specializes in comprehensive water analysis, well and septic inspections, well chlorination services, arsenic, fluoride, radon (air and water), radium, lead and copper testing. For the past 20 years CEL has been committed to educating consumers, builders and contractors, real estate professionals and businesses on the importance of clean and safe drinking water.

For more information on recreational water safety, call CEL at (410) 643-0800 or toll-free at (800) 300-TEST (300-8378) or visit www.ChesapeakeEnvironmentalLab.com.

In photo: Dominic DiGiovine of Stevensville, Chesapeake Environmental Lab (CEL) president and laboratory director, takes a water sample at a local beach. CEL conducts water testing for public and private entities that oversee rivers and beaches on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and parts of Delaware, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Montgomery, Howard and Baltimore counties as well as homeowners, real estates agents, wastewater treatment plants. For more information on recreational water safety, call CEL at (410) 643-0800 or toll-free at (800) 300-TEST (300-8378) or visit www.ChesapeakeEnvironmentalLab.com.