A Popular Boise Pond Tests Positive For E. Coli

It's finally summer in the Treasure Valley, and for a lot of us, that means hitting the river, ponds, and beaches (yes, beaches) around Idaho. If you have kids like I do, you also know getting out for some fun in the sun is one of the best ways to tire out the kids for a quiet evening.

Be Careful About Where You Swim!

As we all know, you don't have to have kiddos to have some in the sun. Perhaps enjoying a drink with your feet in the water is the way to go, or hitting up one of the local ponds for a quick swim is one of the ways you unwind on the weekend.

However, if you frequent Esther Simplot Park Pond 1 or Quinn's Pond, you'll want to be extra careful.

"Warning signs have been posted near the pier and island at Esther Simplot Park Pond 1 following water quality test results showing E. coli bacteria levels that exceed state standards," Boise Parks and Rec said in a post to Facebook.

"While Quinn's Pond and other areas of Pond 1, including the children's beach area, have not exceeded state standards for high levels of E. coli, signs are being posted in various locations at the park to warn users and educate the public."

Symptoms of E. coli can include diarrhea, bloody stool, stomach cramps, and, for the elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems, potential kidney failure.

What Would Cause E. Coli To Be Present In Our Ponds?

In the comment section for the post from Boise Parks & Rec, several theories arose about the cause of the E. coli contamination, with most people blaming the goose population.

"Cull the non-migratory geese, will solve the problem," one person wrote.

"Every year this happens. People talk about dogs. Look at all of the geese droppings! This is absolutely the problem," another wrote.

ALSO READ: Infected Bat Found In Downtown Boise Causes Chaos

One person went as far as to blame the E. coli on another culprit.

"It's also swim diapers."

While it's anyone's guess for the cause, we can all agree on one thing: Read the safety signs before getting into the water.