ROCKLAND (AP) — The levels of E. coli bacteria in the waters off Rockland’s Snow Marine Park are sky high and officials think dog poop is the culprit.

The city’s pollution control director, Terry Pinto, said recent water quality testing by the town and the state found dangerously high levels of the E. coli bacteria from two pipes running into the harbor at the park. With no other source in sight, Pinto told WLBZ-TV (http://on.wlbz2.com/1zp412K ) the large number of dogs playing in the park must be the source.

Dog owners are supposed to pick up after their pets, but many don’t.

Pinto said the solution may be to ban dogs.

People generally don’t swim at the park, but boaters and kayakers who launch their vessels there could come in contact with contaminated water.