There’s something lurking in wading pools that could make your children sick.
High coliform counts have been recorded at wading pools at Prairie Winds Park and Eau Claire Plaza.
The presence of coliform means there has been fecal contamination, and that could include harmful bacteria, especially for small children or those with weakened immune systems.
Both pools are owned by the city, but operated privately.
The health region says it’s not taking any action against the operator. It says all wading pools are at risk in this hot weather.
“Really it gives us an indicator there was a failure somewhere along the line. With all the nice weather we’ve been having and the amount of bathers, it means the disinfection can’t keep up with the load they’re experiencing,” says Chad Beegan, the environmental health branch of the Calgary Health Region.
Prairie winds was shut July 19th, but the region admits high bacteria counts could have existed back in early July, because there were two “invalid” tests results on July 3 and July 10th.
Officials say swallowing or ingesting dirty water could result in gastro-intestinal illness, including possible e-coli infection.
“Any type of organism passed through the fecal oral route as we call it, if this water has been contaminated with feces, that is a possible outcome of that,” says Beegan.
In a city with close to 66-thousand children under the age of 5 and more hot weather in the forecast, no one can predict if more pools will close.
For parents, it’s a reminder, wading pools aren’t all just fun and games.
“As a parent, I’m concerned. I have to admit I’ll have second thoughts,” says Mom Oana Alpopi.
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