E coli found in fountain at US Open golf

Spectators at the US Open will get free bottled water after the discovery of E coli traces in a public water fountain at the Erin Hills course in Wisconsin.

US Open golf spectators will be given free bottled water after the discovery of traces of E coli in a public water fountain at Erin Hills in Wisconsin.

Nobody has been reported ill after drinking from the fountain during practice days at the second major of the year, and it was shut off on Thursday morning.

Tournament organisers, the United States Golf Association (USGA), said in a statement: "The Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department notified the USGA that it identified evidence of E coli bacteria from a sample from one hydration station near the 12th hole at Erin Hills golf course.

"The water line to the hydration system was disconnected immediately and bottled water was provided to guests, while we waited for the preliminary results to be confirmed by the public health department.

"The safety and security of our guests is of paramount importance to the USGA. Out of an abundance of caution, we will offer all guests complimentary bottled water at all four hydration stations throughout the duration of the championship."

E coli bacteria can cause various forms of illness, most commonly sickness and diarrhoea, but the consequences can be more severe.