CDC: 3 Of 5 Public Pools Test Positive For Fecal Contamination

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 3 of 5 public swimming pools are contaminated with fecal matter.  According to figures accumulated during last summer’s swim season, the CDC estimates that 58 percent of pools tested positive for E. coli and bacteria typically found in human feces, although none contained the specific strain of E. coli that causes illness. 

According to CDC, the contamination resulted from either “fecal incidents” in the pool or because swimmers didn’t properly shower before entering the pool. 

Moreover, the study revealed that 59 percent of pools tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause skin rashes and ear infections.