Over half of all swimming pools tested positive for fecal matter in a survey of public pools by the CDC. According to the health agency, the discovery indicates that "swimmers introduced fecal matter into pool water."
Michele Hlavsa, a researcher with the CDC, told USA Today that she doesn't believe the bacteria's presence is the fault of negligent pool operators:
"This is really about swimmer hygiene," she said.
The agency believes that the fecal matter is deposited from the backsides of swimmers who do not shower properly. Those people are likely to introduce E. coli, Cryptosporidium and other germs into the water.
Fortunately, the government agency has some tips for summertime pool goers: do not swim when you have diarrhea, shower with soap before your swim, take bathroom breaks every 60 minutes, check the chlorine and ph level before swimming and never swallow the water in a pool.
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