Introduction
Heavy rains may seem like a way to naturally wash away dirt from artificial turf fields, but stormwater comes with hidden risks. This runoff water often carries contaminants and harmful bacteria from nearby surfaces, posing health risks to athletes and damaging the field's longevity. In this blog, we’ll uncover how stormwater impacts artificial turf, the types of bacteria it introduces, and why regular maintenance is crucial to keep fields safe, clean, and game-ready.
How Rainwater Affects Artificial Turf
Artificial turf fields are specifically designed to withstand rain and other elements through drainage systems that channel water away, preventing pooling
and maintaining playability in most conditions. Unlike natural grass, which can become muddy and unusable, synthetic turf stays ready, handling heavy foot traffic even after a storm. But while this drainage design keeps turf usable, stormwater often introduces contaminants like bacteria, debris, and chemicals, especially in low-lying areas with poor drainage.
Many assume that rain washes away bacteria, but researchers have a conflicting point of view: water runoff can actually carry pathogens from surrounding areas onto the turf surface. Rainwater introduces contaminants that can accumulate in high-traffic areas and flattened zones, creating hidden hazards that should be addressed through targeted cleaning.
Bacteria and Pathogens Commonly Found in Rainwater
It’s surprising how much rainwater can bring onto an artificial turf field. Stormwater often carries harmful bacteria, like Listeria, Yersinia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can be dangerous to anyone using the field. These bacteria can come from animal droppings, runoff, and other environmental pollutants that are carried over through rainwater runoff.
In one study, researchers found that rainwater after storms could carry surprisingly high levels of harmful bacteria. Listeria, for example, was found in about 1,400 cells in just a small sample of rainwater (100 mL). Another bacteria, Yersinia, was detected in almost all samples (92%) —showing just how common these germs can be after heavy rain. These types of bacteria thrive in moist environments, making wet turf a potential host after rainfall.
Other bacteria like E. coli and Enterococcus are often indicators of fecal contamination, which can also end up on the turf. This means that rainwater can carry all sorts of microorganisms that could pose health risks for players. After a storm, regularly cleaning artificial turf with a bacteria-reducing solution is crucial to lower the risk of issues like respiratory, stomach, and skin infections.
The Health Risks for Athletes and Visitors
Exposure to pathogens on turf can pose serious health risks, especially for athletes, since they frequently come in close contact with the ground. Contaminated surfaces increase the risk of infections for players who have open cuts, abrasions, or sensitive skin. Prolonged exposure to damp, contaminated turf can result in infections ranging from mild skin irritations to severe respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions. Rainwater can also lead to mold and mildew growth, creating additional respiratory concerns for athletes and even creating unpleasant odors that affect the user experience.
If left untreated, stagnant water on turf creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which, in addition to being unsightly, are also slippery and can cause accidents. Removing standing water and performing regular cleaning and maintenance, especially after significant rainfall is crucial to keeping synthetic turf healthy.
Maintenance and Care for Optimal Field Safety
Maintaining artificial turf is essential for both durability and player safety. Artificial turf fibers typically bounce back after a heavy storm but pooled water and built-up debris can prevent fields from drying quickly. Ensuring effective drainage by clearing debris and checking drainage systems maximizes both the safety and longevity of your artificial turf. Incorporating routine cleaning practices, like rinsing spills, using a leaf blower to clear debris, and brushing up high-traffic areas, will help avoid bacterial buildup and improve drainage efficiency.
These cleaning routines protect fields from premature wear, discoloration, and turf degradation, preserving the vibrant look of the field and keeping logos, markings, and field lines intact. However, standard cleaning doesn’t address the microscopic threats that rainwater introduces, which is where targeted cleaning solutions come in.
The Athletic Turf Wash Solution
To combat the spread of harmful bacteria and pathogens, Athletic Turf Wash provides a specialized cleaning solution designed to address contamination risks of utilizing synthetic turf in an athletic setting, including the impacts of stormwater. The solution combines Nano Metallic Silver Oxide (NMSO) and hydrogen peroxide, which work together to mitigate bacteria, fungi, and other microbes on turf surfaces. Athletic Turf Wash’s formula effectively reduces harmful bacteria while being non-toxic and environmentally friendly, ensuring a safe playing environment without the need for harsh chemicals.
Whether it’s high-traffic areas or low-drainage zones, Athletic Turf Wash reaches deep into the turf fibers, addressing bacteria that regular maintenance might leave behind. By using Athletic Turf Wash regularly, facility managers can be confident in maintaining a safe field, with 99% of bacteria removed, that supports both the health and performance of athletes.
Protecting players and ensuring field quality after heavy storms is essential for any artificial turf manager. By incorporating a targeted maintenance plan, protect against the hidden dangers that rainwater brings and extend the lifespan of your field. Make routine maintenance with Athletic Turf Wash part of your turf care regimen. This solution will keep your artificial turf clean and safe, with heavily reduced bacteria, so you can focus on game-day performance. Ensure your turf is ready for play after any storm—choose Athletic Turf Wash for dependable field maintenance.
