High E. Coli Levels Close Boise Ponds

BOISE, ID - The city of Boise has closed a number of public ponds due to elevated E. coli levels. Ponds inside Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond were closed Wednesday afternoon. E. coli is a bacteria that causes severe gastrointestinal problems, and can be lethal, especially for children and the elderly.

Here's more on the closure of the ponds from the city of Boise:

Boise Public Works employees conduct water quality tests at Esther Simplot Pond and Quinn’s Pond weekly from April through September. The most recent weekly test came back showing bacteria levels that exceeded water quality standards.

At this time, Quinn’s Pond and Esther Simplot Ponds will be closed until further readings show that bacteria concentrations are below state water quality standards for recreational use. Boise Parks and Recreation staff are posting signs at all beaches to notify visitors about the closure.

Due to the elevated bacteria test results, Boise Public Works staff are conducting daily water quality tests in all ponds to monitor bacteria levels. We will continue to update the public on the status of those tests.
City staff is working to identify the source of the bacteria and address the source of the issue once it’s identified. That process could take up to a week or more.

The City has been in contact with the Central District Health Department (CDHD), and so far, CDHD has not received any reports of people getting sick after swimming at Esther Simplot Park or Quinn’s Pond. It’s important to remember that as the weather heats up, Esther Simplot Park and Quinn’s Pond are popular destinations. Use has been high in recent weeks and there are some important safety and general use tips to remember if you do plan to recreate in these ponds once they re-open:

• Don’t ingest the water
• Wash your hands after use
• Be sure to shower after swimming.
• Pick up after your dog when using Boise parks
• Keep your pets out of the water
• Don’t feed geese or ducks

Image via U.S. Department of Health and Human Services