Health District addresses splashpad concerns after investigation

After June 29, reports started coming in to the Piedmont Health District (PHD), raising concerns about the Farmville splashpad. Farmville residents were showing signs of gastrointestinal symptoms. This was later identified as an infection of the Norovirus and Enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (EAEC) bacteria.

“EAEC is a less severe type of E. coli associated with acute or persistent diarrhea in children and adults spread through the fecal-oral route and commonly found in contaminated food or water,” said Piedmont Health District officials in a statement to The Herald.

The district officials were clear that as of yet, a source of what triggered the problems has not definitely been identified. They say however the one thing each of the sick people have in common is the fact that they visited the Farmville splashpad, located at 1630 W. Third Street, on June 29.

e. coli is a type of coliform bacteria, commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans.

Health District officials said they’re still not sure water from the splashpad caused the problem. They point to the fact that water from the splashpad was tested both on June 26 and then on July 11 by town staff, with the results provided to the Health District. In each case, PHD officials said, the water test results showed no evidence of bacteria.

“Organisms that cause disease are found anywhere that people gather, including pools and splashpads,” said Piedmont District Epidemiologist Jesse Alger. “We want to remind community members about the importance of following appropriate steps to help stop the spread of germs.”

Health District officials also pointed out that they don’t regulate splashpads except in three specific cases. VDH regulations apply if the splashpad is at a hotel, a campground or summer camp.

What about the splashpad water?

“I appreciate Dr. Maria Almond and her staff for working with the town to make sure we are safely operating the Splashpad,” said Farmville Town Manager Dr. Scott Davis. He added that the town has spent the last two weeks working with the pump manufacturer and checking valves on the storage tank to make sure it’s operating properly. Testing showed no bacteria before the splashpad reopened on Tuesday, July 16.

“Before reopening, the water treatment plant (staff) tested the recirculated water for bacteria and none was found,” Davis said, adding that they also tested the pH level.

Davis explained that the water used in the splashpad comes from the town water supply, which is treated at the water treatment plant. The water treatment plant, town officials say, complies with all drinking water standards set by the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).

Meanwhile, the splashpad has a 5,000-gallon water tank that recirculates water through a process similar to swimming pools. The process includes UV light disinfection, sand filtering and chlorine treatment. The gauges in the splashpad’s pump house are set to make sure the pH and oxidation-reduction remain at certain levels. In addition to monitoring these levels, a pH test is conducted at least once a day.

So what happens next?

Well, the splashpad is remaining open . As town officials and Health District staff point out, repeated tests have been done over the last two weeks, with no bacteria found in the water. The Health District staff do ask people to follow a couple rules when visiting the splashpad, just to be on the safe side.

First, do not swallow the water at the splashpad. Second, wash your hands, preferably with soap and water, before eating and after using the bathroom. Third, don’t visit the splashpad if you’ve been vomiting or had diarrhea within the past two weeks. And fourth, don’t use the splashpad if you’ve had any type of cold, flu or respiratory virus symptoms within the last 24 hours. And fifth, don’t use the splashpad if you have any open wounds, boils or other skin infections.

Other rules for the splashpad also remain in effect. That includes no animals allowed at the facility. Also, all children must be supervised by an adult. Residents are also asked to check all swim diapers regularly and bring children to the restroom on breaks every hour.

“We are grateful to the Town of Farmville for being so cooperative throughout this investigation,” Jesse Alger said.

What to do if you feel sick?

If you or your child feel sick after visiting the splashpad, Heath District officials ask that you get checked out. After that, give them a call at 434-392-3984 ext. 145.

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