Infected Palm Springs community pools expected to reopen in August
Swimming pools in a Palm Springs community have been shut down for almost a month, after water tested positive for legionnaires’ disease last month.
“It just, kind of, was something we would never think would happen here because it’s (the swimming pools) always so well maintained,” said James Laque, who lives across the street from the pool. “We got an email with the findings of the board; what they did, what action they’re going to take, what steps they’re going to take, and also, introducing us to this new technology,” Laque said.
Casey Nelson, a senior technician for KC’s Plumbing explained that KC’s Plumbing has been contracted to disinfect the Four Seasons swimming pools. Nelson said the technology he is using to treat the water has been approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It’s basically a 24 hours a day, seven days a week, system. And that system is being pulsed all day long and it will make it so that the biofilm that we have for the bacteria is never able to attach,” Nelson said.
Preliminary testing will be done by next week and Nelson said the CDC will test the water in August to ensure the water is safe for swimmers.
Nelson said Legionnaires disease is one of the most common bacteria found in water systems.
“It does breed in water heaters specifically, but the biofilm is in every single person’s home that has piping in their home, so it’s potentially in every single home,” Nelson said.
According to the Riverside County Department of Environmental Health, three to four cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported each year in the county. The disease is contracted by inhaling the bacteria. People infected reportedly experience flu-like symptoms, according to the CDC.
“Now that we have more research and we’ve studied more, and then this outbreak coming up, it’s confirmed, the right way we’ve gone in terms of getting ahead,” Nelson said.
While some residents are anxious to enjoy the pools again, they say they’re relieved to know the problem is being taken care of.
“I’m pretty excited about it and it gives me a sense of reassurance and calm, knowing that it’s safe,” Laque said.
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