BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A non-profit is urging caution for those hoping to take a dip in popular parts of Bellingham Bay.

RE Sources says that their stormwater monitoring team recorded significantly elevated levels of E. coli at two different runoff points within the past two weeks.

At one outfall location near Olive Street, team members reported the water was discolored and had a rancid odor. Lab samples confirmed that E. coli levels were 50 times higher than what is considered safe.

Additional testing near Taylor Dock also confirmed high levels of bacteria in the water.

Both locations were identified last year by RE Sources as bacteria hotspots in their Stormwater Report.

They’re urging potential swimmers not to swim with open wounds and to shower if they do choose to take the plunge.