The Tecumseh Park Splash Pad is set to open following discrepancies in water quality tests between the City of Sarnia’s independent contractor and Lambton Public Health last week, which delayed the opening of the facility. Officials say the issue has now been resolved, with the splash-pad set to open for free public use, beginning Wednesday.
“We always do testing with Lambton Public Health, to sign off on the facility at the start of the year,” said Steve Henschel, communications manager with the city of Sarnia. “In terms of the discrepancy, the city contractor…was showing that the water was good to go and Lambton Public Health identified some issues.
One possible factor for differing tests could be that the test samples were not taken at the same time, he said, adding that the City brought all partners together on site to collaborate.
“What we realized is there were actually different tests being utilized,” said Henschel. “We rectified that and as of today, all tests are showing good to go.”
There are many factors in a public pool that can affect water quality and being prudent on pool guidelines helps play a key part in keeping the water clean of dirt and debris, explained Lori Lucas, health protection supervisor for Lambton Public Health.
“An example… in a public pool, one of the signs says ‘bathers should take a shower before entering the pool’ especially with sunscreen and dirt.
“That’s why pools need to have a recirculation system,” Lucas explained. “They have to have a disinfectant added into that recirculation system to make sure the water continues to do what it’s supposed to do and sort of necessarily kill any type of bacteria that could get in there.”
Lambton Public Health has since signed off on the latest water quality tests at the Tecumseh Splash Pad.
“I know there may be some concerns with the water quality — the public has nothing to worry about,” explained Henschel. “We do test this splash pad daily to ensure that water quality is maintained throughout the season.”
The splash pad is open to the public beginning at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“We are ready to go,” said Henschel, “so everybody get those swim trunks on and come on out!”