An experimental health-related classification for marine waters

Detailed epidemiological studies in the UK have shown a dose-response relat ionship between water quality and gastroenteritis experienced by bathers. O ther predictors of gastroenteritis found in the studies provide comparative levels of risk attributable to, for example, certain types of food. The st atistical distribution of faecal streptococci, based on log(10) mean and lo g(10) SD, is used to describe the exposure of the bathing population. The e xposure distribution is used in combination with the dose-response relation ship and other independent risk factors as a framework for a health-related "standards" system. The standard system defines a series of water quality thresholds which take into account variation in water quality. These catego ries could provide a basis for both "health-related" water quality objectiv es and advice to the public on potential health risks from bathing. (C) 199 8 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.