Redwood Recreation Center

Cryptosporidium is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headaches and low-grade fevers. In most healthy people, the effects may last from one to two weeks. However, the risk of serious illness and death is much greater for young children, the elderly or people who have weakened immune systems. In August 2007 State Health officials required public pools to limit access to swimmers less than 5 years of age in an attempt to control the outbreak. Attendance at local pools decreased, but the outbreak continued to grow, not only at public pools but also in day care facilities. In September 2007, once outdoor public pools closed for the season, the reported occurrence of the disease decreased dramatically.

To prevent this situation from recurring, Mayor Peter Corroon and the County Council approved funding of $966,928 to install 23 Ultraviolet light systems in every County public pool, including spas, splash pad, shallow children’s pools and indoor and outdoor lap and leisure pools. With the collaborative efforts of County Facilities Management, the Health Department, Parks & Recreation and the contractors, all 23 systems were in place by May 24th, opening day for all outdoor pools.

Ultraviolet treatment of pool water photo-oxidizes and destroys parasites, bacteria and organic matter found in pools giving major improvements to pool air and water quality with significantly lower levels of chlorine. Chlorine is still required by the Health Department to treat pool water until it is passes through the UV system. However installing a UV system will typically reduce chlorine usage at pools by 10 – 20%.

For more information on Cryptosporidium or to visit Salt Lake Valley Health Department's website.

http://www.slvhealth.org/crypto/