by Kevin Caruso

September 6, 2005

Floodwater in New Orleans is contaminated with E. Coli bacteria, according to city officials.

E. Coli comes from human and animal waste and can cause serious illness or death if ingested.

Water samples tested at Louisiana State University (LSU) showed the levels of E. Coli to be extremely high.

Floodwater started to be pumped out of the city yesterday and will take between 30 to 90 days to drain completely.

In the meantime, the dangerous water remains.