The Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro are set to begin on August 5th and there is an issue that may not be getting the attention it requires.

The Summer Olympics has events that occur on both land and water but there is danger lurking in the water in Rio. According to tests commissioned by The Associated Press, there are high viral and in some instances bacteria counts along shorelines and in the bay or lagoon where aquatic events such as rowing, canoeing and sailing will take place.

As of December 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) only requires Brazil to test for bacterial markers although high viral counts have been recorded. Rio’s waterways are highly contaminated because sewage is not treated. The water contamination is so bad that 6-7% of athletes who competed in pre-Olympic rowing and sailing events in Rio became ill. In their bid to host the Olympics, Brazil promised to clean their waterways by the time the Olympics rolled into town but officials have acknowledged they are falling short of that promise.