Town pool cleans up for swimmers
By: Mitchell Trinka, Staff Reporter
06/09/2006
At the end of July last year the town pool was closed due to illnesses caused by two organisms, Cryptosporidium and Giardia. This weekend the town pool will open for weekends only until June 17 and then full time until Labor Day.
According to Warren McMillan, recreation and parks director, the discovery of the parasites, that when ingested affect the intestinal tract, prompted the closing of the pool after discussions with the Department of Health. Children and some parents reported nausea, diarrhea, and weight loss.
On June 5, Marie-Pierre Brule-McKiever from the Department of Health, Greg Bolner from Chazen Inc., and Doug Marr, plumber of the new pool circulation system, were at the Town of Washington pool to inspect the new system.
According to McMillan, Friend Laboratory Inc. from Ithaca tested 1,500 gallons of water. The analysis of water taken from the reservoir that will feed the pool showed no signs of the two organisms and any other trace particles that could cause sickness.
McMillan said a person brought in the organisms last year. "People carrying contagious illnesses do not belong in the pool."
This year circulation will increase from 1,000 to 30,000 gallons a day. McMillan acknowledged that in years past the water could not be recirculated.
"It's a whole new system," said McMillan.
That translates to 200 gallons per minute flowing into the pool from one end and out at the other end. The problem of chlorination in the water will be taken care of by bio neutralizer dechlorination tablets, which will be placed in the skimmers where the pool water empties into the small stream running parallel to the pool.
"These improvements will help make the pool safer for the swimmers and help with clarity (of the water)," said McMillan.
In addition to the constant flow of fresh water, new plumbing will help equalize the chlorine in the pool.
"I'm really pleased with the confidence the community has given me," said McMillan.
According to McMillan, the improvements cost the town $20-25,000, which included engineering fees, building fees, and parts for the new pumping system. McMillan hopes the improvements bring the pool back as a cornerstone of the community in the summer.
"It's been a mainstay of the community for more than 60 years," said McMillan.
Pool passes are available at the guard booth. Prices are available at the Town of Washington recreation office during regular business hours. For more information contact McMillan at 677-8278, or the pool offices at 677-9545.
