AP Investigation: Filthy Rio water a threat at 2016 Olympics

High levels of bacteria, viruses found

In this July 16 photo, members of Austria's Olympic sailing team train in the Rio de Janeiro municipality Niteroi, Brazil. "This is by far the worst water quality we've ever seen in our sailing careers," said Austria's coach Ivan Bulaja. The Austrian sailors take precautions, washing their faces immediately with bottled water when they get splashed by waves and showering the minute they return to shore. - photo by Associated Press

W Brazil Filthy Water Heal — In this July 16 photo, members of Austria's Olympic sailing team train in the Rio de Janeiro municipality Niteroi, Brazil. "This is by far the worst water quality we've ever seen in our sailing careers," said Austria's coach Ivan Bulaja. The Austrian sailors take precautions, washing their faces immediately with bottled water when they get splashed by waves and showering the minute they return to shore. - photo by Associated Press

RIO DE JANEIRO — The waters where Olympians will compete in swimming and boating events next summer in South America's first games are rife with human sewage and present a serious health risk for athletes, an Associated Press investigation has found. The AP analysis of water quality revealed dangerously high levels of viruses and bacteria from sewage in venues where athletes will compete in water sports. Nevertheless, an Olympic official said Thursday there are no plans to monitor for viruses, which many experts consider the biggest problem.