Media Alert: Aquatic/Pool Inspections
Media Contact
Marla Fuller at marla.fuller@cincinnati-oh.gov or 513-357-7291 (o) 513-725-6861 (c)
MEDIA ALERT
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
Cincinnati Health Department Conducts Inspections of Aquatic Spray Grounds and Public Pools
in Preparation for the Cincinnati Music Festival
WHO: Cincinnati Health Department, Technical Environmental Services
WHAT: Due to the great influx of people that will converge on the downtown area for the Cincinnati Music Festival and festivities, the Technical Environmental Services (TES) unit will conduct special surveillance inspections at eleven licensed downtown area public swimming pools, spas, and spray grounds. Technical Environmental Services will visit local facilities to test water chemistry and pull samples.
“What we have observed in the past is a degradation of healthful water chemistry at facilities during hot weather and increased clientele,” stated Antonio Young, Acting Director of Environmental Health.
WHEN:
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Washington Park Spray Ground
WHY: With summer temperatures in full swing, U.S. officials have a warning for Americans who will inevitably be looking for ways to beat the heat, and some public pools may pose a serious health hazard. The most commonly reported illness is diarrhea, which is caused by germs such as Crypto, Giardia, Shigella, Norovirus, and E. coli. High outside temperatures and increased patronage can quickly deplete disinfectants that help ward off these diseases.
Each year, thousands of public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds are forced to close nationwide due to serious health and safety violations, including contamination problems that could make people sick. Thanks to the Cincinnati Health Department’s, TES Unit, area residents and visitors have a lot less to worry about. The public health officials at the CHD work together to improve the operation and maintenance of local public places so people will be healthy and safe when they swim or participate in water activities.
The Health Department licenses and inspects over 200 public swimming pools, spas, and spray grounds throughout Cincinnati each year.
The CHD staff tests the water for available chlorine, pH, and alkalinity in efforts to reduce or eliminate waterborne diseases associated with recreational water facilities. Staff also evaluate the circulation system to ensure that no safety hazards exist at the facility.
When conditions exist that pose an immediate threat to public health such as opaque pool water, or lack of disinfectant (such as chlorine), operation of the facility is suspended immediately. The facility is not reopened until all necessary safety measures are met.