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Favorite Gear: Dimond | Cadex | Desoto Sport | Hoka One One

The strange part about this quote is that enterococcus is used for saltwater and brackish water testing according to EPA proposals. E coli is fresh water only, though it wouldn't be uncommon for California to choose additional or different testing.

At any rate, before we get worked up over the fact that Copacabana Beach had 13 times last year where the Enterococcus levels exceeded recommendations - we just had the New York City triathlon a week or two ago and that area of the Hudson exceeds recommended levels once or twice a year over the past 5 years. Best data I can find for the Schuylkill, location of the Philadelphia tri - with over 1,500 finishers, shows that it *averages* over 35 cfu/100 mL - the recognized limit.

So before we clutch our pearls at the prospect of the pros swimming at Copacabana - keep in mind that there are triathlons in water nearly as bad here in the U.S. multiple times per year. We test the water before the race and if it's good we go, if not we cancel the swim, I reckon they'll do the same at the Olympics.

The article was not crystal clear (pun intended) but it sounds like the swim and tri location is off a beach that while it has tested above what would close a US beach 13 times in the past year, it is not kill you on contact bad. Some of us have probably unknowingly swam in water as bad as the Rio course. Those small inland lakes popular with triathlons that are surrounded by septic tanks and yards full of dog crap are not as clean, or as well tested as we all might think . . . . .

On the other hand, the Rio sailors are starting their races in a true cesspool. Its like they are IN the septic tank. And most of the small boats they race in the Olympics are super wet if the wind is up . . . . They have also been having problems with trash getting stuck on their keels and rudders which has a tremendously bad effect on the speed of a racing sailboat.

Yes, this is correct, and often what isn't reported. The water the triathlon is being held in isn't great, but it's not the raw sewage the rowers are going to be in.

anyone with significant open water experience has likely swam in similar or higher levels. So many factors in testing. Many US based race venues test high on a regular basis. Water is tested race morning (and night before) and a call is made. I have had 2 tri swims canceled because of water bacteria levels.