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CDC confirms E. coli O157 in Big Chico Creek samples; Sycamore Pool remains under no‑swim advisory
Summary
City staff told the Park Commission the Centers for Disease Control confirmed E. coli O157 in samples from Big Chico Creek. Preliminary findings point to grazing animals or birds as likely sources; the creek was under a no‑swim advisory and further testing was planned.
City of Chico parks staff told the Park and Natural Resources Commission that laboratory analysis by the Centers for Disease Control has confirmed the presence of E. coli O157 in samples taken from Big Chico Creek, and the creek remains under a no‑swim advisory.
Shane, a parks division staff member leading the update, said samples taken by Butte County Public Health were analyzed by the CDC and “the presence of the 0 1 5 7 E. Coli was confirmed.” Shane said preliminary findings suggest the contamination “likely came from grazing animals or birds,” though staff do not yet have an identified species or a single point source. He told commissioners that additional testing may be carried out to attempt to locate a source.
Shane said the advisory was likely to remain in place for the remainder of the swim season while further testing continues. “It looks like the creek is going to remain under that advisory for the rest of the swim season,” he said.
Commissioners pressed for clarity about sampling locations and scope. Staff said Butte County Public Health had “hopscotched up the drainage up to Alligator Hole” and that, to date, there had not been testing beyond Alligator Hole. Shane said public-health officials had issued a precautionary advisory for the entire creek watershed while they pursue additional samples and analysis.
Several commissioners expressed concern about public messaging. Commissioner Tonsford said parents in the community needed clearer information and urged staff to pursue definitive testing to address speculation. “If that's not the case, we need to dispel that rumor and squash that information definitively,” Tonsford said, noting some online commentary blaming unhoused people for the contamination.
Shane and Assistant Park and Natural Resources Manager Lindsay Admonson said they were researching additional testing options and coordinating with Butte County Public Health. Staff identified factors that could be contributing to bacterial spikes, including grazing wildlife, increased nitrogen levels, post-fire sediment runoff and the influence of recent atmospheric river storms, but emphasized that the cause has not been established.
Staff committed to updating the commission as more laboratory results and field-sampling information become available.
