FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Lem Burell
(256) 240-6606
The Alabama Department of Public Health has cleared the reopening of the Spring Valley Beach Waterpark in Blountsville on August 20. Park management voluntarily closed the facility on August 14 following reports of contamination that may have been present in its pool.
During the week, the park took corrective action to hyperchlorinate its pool in an acceptable manner and has measured the chlorine content of the water on consecutive days in various places in the pool.
“Based on the actions taken by the park management, we believe this does not present a public health concern at this time,” Lem Burell, public health area environmental director.
The closure followed reports from individuals who visited the park July 2 and July 31. Two of the individuals tested positive for a parasite that causes an illness called cryptosporidiosis.
Unfortunately, illnesses in recreational waters can occur even when systems are adequately maintained. Symptoms are caused by germs spread by swallowing, breathing in mists or aerosols, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools, water parks, hot tubs, interactive fountains, water play areas, lakes, rivers or oceans. People using recreational water facilities should follow these regulations:
• Do not swim when you are ill with diarrhea.
• If you have cryptosporidiosis, do not swim until two weeks after your diarrhea ends.
• Do not swallow the water when you swim or wade in a pool/lake/river water. Avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Practice good hygiene (such as showering before swimming).
• Please take children on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear “I need to go,” may mean that it is too late.
• Please change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at poolside.
• Please wash children thoroughly (especially in the diaper region) with soap and water before swimming.
Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Healthy Swimming Web site at www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming to learn how to protect yourself and others by following tips for healthy swimming.