Park officials in Northern Arizona warn of human waste contamination at Oak Creek

VILLAGE OF OAK CREEK, AZ (AZFamily) — If you are heading up to Slide Rock or any of the other popular swimming spots, you will come across a sign: “have a poop plan.”

It’s a striking message visitors going to Oak Creek will see before enjoying the water.

“I guess they figure there are poop fairies out there that will pick that stuff up,” said Ron Tiller, senior environmental scientist for the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

Tiller says human waste is getting into the creek, resulting in E. coli. Oak Creek is considered impaired for the bacteria.

The bacteria can make you pretty sick if you ingest it, but that doesn’t mean you should stay away; just be aware.

“It’s episodic, but it happens often enough that it’s a concern for public health,” said Tiller.

According to Tiller, it’s not the wildlife causing this mess; 75% of the E. coli they find along the creek is caused by people and their pets. When people and pets relieve themselves, it takes significant rain to wash their waste into the creek.

The state installed dozens of pet waste removal stations along the creek to help combat pet waste. Officials also tend to find diapers in the water.

“Dog owners are about 15% more likely to pick up their waste and deposit it in a receptacle,” said Tiller.

If you have to relieve yourself, Tiller said they are urging people to bring a trowel with them to dig a hole well enough away from the water and do their business there before covering it up.

In the meantime, Tiller says the state is developing numerous solutions to reduce contamination along the creek.

“Mostly that means boots on the ground kind of work… I would say, by and large, the creek is safe,” Tiller said.

You can check the state park’s website beforehand to see if the levels are at unsafe readings. Warnings are also being placed in popular spots.

Another rule of thumb, according to Tiller, is to just look at the water. If it’s clear, you should be good, but if it’s murky, you may want to stay on land.

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