Officials warn of E. coli at Salem Pond

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah County town of Salem is dealing with an E. coli warning at the Salem Pond. The pond and park attached to it are still open for boaters and fishers, but health experts are asking people not to swim due to potentially harmful levels of the bacteria.

Ellen Bailey, environmental scientist at the Utah Division of Water Quality, explained, "E. coli is an indicator of fecal contamination from humans or wildlife or pets. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, fever, rashes."

Utah Division of Water Quality employees test recreation areas like this one regularly for algae bloom and E. coli; they say often the issue will resolve itself with time, but until then, people should be vigilant about where they recreate.

"Swimming is the biggest concern, really ingesting the water. Or eating food after recreating, you know, without washing your hands," Bailey said.

Boating and fishing are still considered safe.

Before heading to recreate at your water body of choice, be sure to check for any safety warnings by simply searching for your destination in a search bar, or checking with the Department of Environmental Quality.

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