Concerns are mounting over the water quality in council-run splash parks and paddling pools across the UK, with a recent investigation uncovering bacteria levels significantly exceeding recommended guidelines. Experts warn that these conditions, particularly during hot weather when the facilities are heavily used, could pose a risk to children's health.
The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) sets water quality standards used by health and safety bodies, recommending that chlorine levels in splash parks and lidos be checked every two hours when in use. However, the investigation found that some operators may be failing to conduct these vital checks, as well as monthly laboratory tests for bacterial contamination. This neglect can lead to dangerously low chlorine levels, allowing bacteria to multiply rapidly.
Investigation Findings
An investigation involving the collection of water samples from six splash parks in and around London during hot weather in August revealed alarming results. Two of the sampled sites showed bacterial counts above the PWTAG's 'unsatisfactory' level of 100 bacteria colony-forming units per millilitre (TVC), while two others had counts over 1,000 times higher.
Specifically, the results from Runnymede Pleasure Grounds in Egham and California Country Park in Berkshire showed TVCs exceeding 10,000, more than 100 times the level considered unsatisfactory. While E. coli and coliforms, indicators of recent faecal contamination, were not detected in any of the samples, a high TVC can signal failing chlorination or bacteria growing in biofilms within the pipework. These biofilms can dislodge and be ingested, potentially leading to infections.
Risks and Contributing Factors
Experts highlight that children are particularly vulnerable due to developing immune systems and less stringent hygiene habits. They are also more likely to swallow pool water, increasing the risk of ingesting harmful pathogens. Practices such as rinsing children's bottoms after nappy changes in the pool water are also a concern, as chlorine may not instantaneously neutralize all germs, especially parasites like cryptosporidium.
Cryptosporidium, a parasite spread through faeces, is a significant worry as it is resistant to chlorine and can cause severe gastrointestinal illness. While routine testing for crypto is not standard practice in the UK, with testing typically occurring only during outbreaks or suspected filtration failures, experts advocate for proactive testing in high-risk pools, especially those for children. Studies suggest crypto can circulate in pools for weeks before detection, and removal often requires physical filtration in addition to chemical treatment.
Financial pressures on pool operators are cited as a reason for insufficient testing and maintenance. Many older public pools, some over 40 years old, rely on simpler fill-and-empty systems rather than advanced recirculating and filtration methods that could better manage contaminants.
Expert and Council Responses
Environmental microbiologists and parasitologists expressed concern over the high bacteria counts, suggesting they should trigger immediate investigations and corrective actions by councils and pool operators. Some pool operators, such as Runnymede Council, acknowledged fluctuations in water quality during the heatwave and have since closed the affected pool pending independent tests. Wokingham Borough Council, responsible for California Country Park, stated that their water quality parameters remained within recommended levels during operating hours and are undertaking further microbial testing after a shock chlorine treatment.
While the findings raise serious questions about current water management practices, experts emphasize that parents should not be entirely deterred from using these facilities. They recommend looking for PoolMark accreditation, inquiring about testing frequency, and advising children to avoid swallowing water or drinking from splash jets.