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The Pueblo of Isleta governor issued a “no swimming or fishing” executive order Wednesday after E. coli was found in the Rio Grande.
“We were just informed of the high levels of (E. coli) found in the Rio Grande River, after testing was performed,” according to the order signed by Gov. Eugene Jiron.
In the order addressed to the Pueblo of Isleta community, Jiron said the “situation does not affect our public drinking supply.”
E. coli is a bacterium that can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People can get infected after swallowing E. coli., “through contaminated food or water or contact with animals, environments or other people.”
The CDC said those most at risk from E. coli include children under 5, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
“This order is to protect the health and safety of our community members. I am requesting your full cooperation while we work on this matter,” the order states.
It is unclear what caused the high the levels of E. coli, how the bacteria got into the water and whether the testing was done in the river or in diversion ditches.
The Pueblo of Isleta did not respond to a request for comment.
