E. coli bacteria levels rising in area rivers, Sacramento County says it’s still OK to swim

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Every week during hot weather, the Sacramento and American rivers are put to the test.Crews are testing for E. coli bacteria levels, which are going up. The testers work under the State Water Resources Control Board with the Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program, or SWAMP, and keep track of the E. coli bacteria levels for the county.”There is E. coli out there that we are monitoring and for everyone to stay safe while they are out on our rivers,” said Elizabeth Zelidon, a spokesperson for Sacramento County Public Health.According to Sacramento County monitoring data, it says to use caution with the higher bacteria levels.The numbers are well over the threshold of 320 MPN, the most probable number. The data show the bacteria levels doubled in a month.On June 3, the levels tested around above-average numbers at 686 MPN, then jumped back up on July 2, coming in at 1,413 MPN.”Increased levels do not necessarily equate to increased exposures or risks for swimmers, and we’re generally OK right now,” Zelidon said. “We haven’t had any water-related illnesses reported from our rivers in Sacramento County.The county posts signs all year round alerting folks that E. coli may be present in the rivers, but some swimmers said they’d like to see updated signs warning them of the higher bacteria levels.Allison Reed was along the river on a personal watercraft Tuesday. She didn’t know about the higher levels and said it “is concerning that it’s elevated.”Greg Bradley said he didn’t read the sign and didn’t take any chances at the river.”It makes me kinda not want to go swimming, but I already paid for it, so I’m just going to go knee-deep,” Bradley said.Zelidon said she and other county employees would swim in the river.”We have not told anyone not to swim in the river, and we have been out there,” Zelidon said.The following healthy water habits are recommended by the county:​Actively supervise children and pets in or near water.Avoid algae blooms (brightly colored water) and trash in the water.People with immuno-suppressive diseases should avoid direct contact with the river.Wash hands/shower after swimming.Do notDrink river water.Cook or wash dishes with river/lake water.Change diapers in or near water.Swim when you are sick.Enter the water if you have cuts or open sores. These are pathways for bacteria to enter your body.Enter the water for several days after a significant rainstorm. Storm flows spike bacteria levels, which decrease with time.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app.

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