Tiscornia Beach, at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers near Discovery Park, recorded E. coli levels in February that were seven times the threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to new weekly testing by the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board.
"In the summer, there are always people in the water at Discovery Park."
Dr. Olivia Kasirye, Sacramento County’s public health officer, said that while there are more than 700 subspecies of E. coli formed from animal and human waste, "only a small number … cause disease in human beings."
However, water board officials said the elevated levels should serve as a caution for people who use the river.
Tests along the lower American River, roughly between Howe Avenue and the confluence of the Sacramento River, in recent years have found average levels of E. coli that were higher than the EPA standard, "beyond which the water body is not recommended for recreation."
Beginning this summer, the water board, along with the Sacramento Area Sewer District and Sacramento County, will launch a yearlong study using DNA testing to determine the sources of E. coli bacteria.
Meanwhile, the water board said it was sharing the weekly E. coli data with Sacramento County health officials and park managers, who are in a position to post warnings and restrict access to waterways.
"Yes, there are elevated levels, so it is important to get that message out and tell people … ‘If you do choose to swim, these are the things you need to do to make sure that you minimize the risk and take care of yourself.’"
Bob Erlenbusch, executive director of the Coalition to End Homelessness, said he thought a lack of public restrooms could be a major contributor to high E. coli levels.
Many of those people camp along the American River.