BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Two Boise ponds are under a health advisory after the City of Boise detected rising levels of E. coli bacteria.
Signs are posted near Esther Simplot Park Pond 1 and Quinn's Pond warning users to swim at their own risk.
E. coli bacteria levels are higher than state levels for recreational swim beaches, according to the city. The results come after days of high use and triple-digit temperatures.
The city is currently treating the two ponds, and officials are encouraging swimmers to swim in other areas until levels come down, such as Bernardine Quinn Riverside Park, where levels are low.
The recent bacteria levels have been a problem for the area several times since renovations were completed in 2016. The new docks and beaches made the ponds a popular spot for people to cool off.
The City of Boise has tried several strategies to keep bacteria levels down. Dogs have been banned from the area since 2017. In 2019, the city installed a pipe and aerators at the bottom of the ponds to help circulate the water.
The latest strategy to keep the bacteria at bay is a pilot project that introduced fresh water into the ponds. The city says the project showed promising results, so officials have moved forward with a permanent river intake.
The city is now seeking additional water rights and hopes to complete work on the freshwater inflow project after irrigation season, in hopes of helping bring more freshwater into the ponds in 2022.
In previous years the ponds have been closed due to E. coli or algae blooms. A DNA lab test in 2017 found that the three main causes of fecal bacteria in the ponds were dog feces, goose feces, and human feces.
“Our team is doing everything we can to increase the flow of water through the ponds, improve water circulation and address bacteria,” said Boise Parks and Recreation Director Doug Holloway.
The city has been working with Central District Health. So far nobody has reported becoming sick after swimming in the ponds, according to the City of Boise.
City of Boise employees test the water weekly at Esther Simplot Park, Veterans Pond, and Quinn’s Pond from April through September.
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