Officials Monitor E. Coli in Big Chico Creek
Apr 27, 2026 04:52PM ● By MPG Staff
BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Butte County Public Health will conduct additional water testing in Big Chico Creek in early May to check for E. coli O157 as summer approaches.
Crews will collect water samples and send them to the State Water Board laboratory for analysis. Officials said results may take several weeks due to the specialized testing. Public Health will release findings once they are available.
“If the water samples come back negative for E. coli O157, we’ll plan for another round of testing mid-summer,” said Dr. Jarett Beaudoin, Butte County public health officer. “We’ll continue to monitor and investigate any new human cases to ensure there’s no connection with the creek.”
The testing is separate from routine water monitoring at Sycamore Pool, which the city of Chico conducts during the swimming season.
Health officials reminded residents that natural waterways can carry harmful bacteria even when water appears clean. Swimming or playing in creeks and rivers can increase the risk of illness, especially for young children.
Public Health advised residents to take precautions when recreating in natural water. Recommendations include washing hands before eating, keeping water out of the mouth, using swim diapers for young children and rinsing off after swimming. Officials also advise against swimming with open wounds or after recent illness.
Symptoms of E. coli infection can include diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. Residents who believe they may be sick should contact a healthcare provider or report the illness to Butte County Public Health.
Testing for E. coli O157 in Big Chico Creek began in July after a cluster of illnesses linked to recreational water exposure. Previous tests found the bacteria in parts of the creek, prompting health advisories.
Officials have not identified a single source of contamination. They said the bacteria most likely come from natural animal sources such as wildlife or livestock. Environmental factors, including watershed changes and erosion from past wildfires, may also affect bacteria levels.
