Risk factors and monitoring for water quality to determine best management practices for splash parks

• Published in: Journal of water and health Vol. 12; no. 3; p. 399
• Main Authors: de Man, H, Leenen, E J T M, van Knapen, F, de Roda Husman, A M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-09-2014
• Subjects: Biomarkers - analysis; Colony Count, Microbial; Environmental Monitoring; Escherichia coli - isolation & purification; Feces - microbiology; Fresh Water - microbiology; Likelihood Functions; Netherlands; Public Facilities - standards; Public Health; Risk Factors; Water Quality; Netherlands
• ISSN: 1477-8920
• DOI: 10.2166/wh.2014.127

Splash parks have been associated with infectious disease outbreaks as a result of exposure to poor water quality. To be able to protect public health, risk factors were identified that determine poor water quality. Samples were taken at seven splash parks where operators were willing to participate in the study. Higher concentrations of Escherichia coli were measured in water of splash parks filled with rainwater or surface water as compared with sites filled with tap water, independent of routine inspection intervals and employed disinfection. Management practices to prevent fecal contamination and guarantee maintaining good water quality at splash parks should include selection of source water of acceptable quality.