Abstract
<jats:p>Microbial pollution in impaired recreational waters is strongly linked to sediment dynamics and suspended solids, particularly during storm events and high-flow conditions. This systematic review synthesises global evidence on how sediments control the storage, transport, and rapid release of fecal indicator bacteria in rivers, lakes, and inland bathing waters. The review evaluates field monitoring methods, high-frequency turbidity sensing, sediment resuspension processes, and modelling approaches used to predict short-term microbial risk. It also assesses the performance of process-based and machine learning forecasting systems applied to recreational water management. Evidence from over two decades of studies shows that turbidity and suspended solids consistently act as reliable proxies for short-term microbial contamination. The findings confirm that sediment-driven pollution pulses are a key driver of exceedances at impaired bathing sites. This review provides a focused scientific basis for early warning systems, public health protection, and risk-based regulatory control of recreational waters.</jats:p>