Splash Pad Bacteria Issue Dealt With 'Immediately'

In addition to being , the   recently had to be temporarily closed after a reading indicated that bacteria levels were too high.

Public Works Director Tom Henshaw told Borough Council July 2 that the problem was "dealt with...immediately" after it was discovered.

He said chlorine levels were boosted and the splash pad's filtration system was backwashed in order to eliminate the bacteria.

"We retested a day later and the bacteria was gone," Henshaw said, adding that subsequent tests yielded the same result.

He theorized that excessive rainfall may have contributed to the problem, which he said is not unusual at splash pads, where children often run around barefoot.

Because the Hellertown splash pad is "still a little slick," Henshaw said signs have been posted requesting that users wear water or aqua socks for safety.

"I think that's the answer," he told council. "The only other answer is to put another product on it, and that's not in the budget."

The chlorine in the water contributes to the slickness of , he explained.

In response to Henshaw's report on the splash pad, councilman Tom Rieger suggested that the borough consider selling water socks or aqua socks to pool-goers next year.

Henshaw acknowledged that this year's splash pad opening has "been a little rough," but noted that there's also a learning curve associated with the operation of the aquatic play area, which he referred to as "Splash Pad 101."