Why do we now require a licence from the council for public/school swimming pools?
Auckland Regional Public Health Service wrote a letter in December 2006 to remind all councils that they must take steps to ensure that regular inspection occurs for all public pools in the form of a suitable surveillance programme. This issue was raised by ARPHS after an increasing amount of cryptosporidiosis cases began to occur in the region.
The council understands that for the most all public pools have successfully self managed the prevention of cryptosporidium on the North Shore. However due to more frequent outbreaks in the region, the ARPHS have asked councils to licence and therefore take hold of monitoring public pools to prevent further outbreaks.
If the council is only now taking on the role of surveying and monitoring pools, what happened before?
Previously due to infrequent outbreaks the council was confident that public pools on the North Shore were competent in self monitoring standards. As the Auckland region as a whole had experienced increased outbreaks the council are now obliged to help bring down the regional rate through the double protection of licensing pools.
How many public and school pools are there in North Shore City?
There are 34 school pools, seven swim schools and two leisure centres with pools.
How confident are you that public and school pools are free of contamination and safe for people to use?
In the last six months there have been 15 reported cases of cryptosporidiosis linked to public pools on the North Shore. This compares to 22 in Auckland City, 23 in Waitakere and 19 in Manukau in the last six months.
What should someone do if they are concerned about contamination at a pool?
If patrons are concerned while visiting a pool they must approach a life guard or pool manager immediately with any concerns. If a case of cryptosporidiosis is suspected to be related to a certain pool then concerned patrons must report this, even if it is two weeks after the visit.
Why is cryptosporidium a problem for swimming pool operators?
Cryptosporidiosis is an infection which occurs after the accidental swallowing of contaminated pool water. It is highly contagious and highly resistant to chlorine disinfection.
Once a pool is contaminated it can remain a source of infection for pool users for prolonged periods of time, due to cryptosporidium’s resistance to chlorine, and difficulty of removing infection through filtration systems. Pool operators can reduce the risk of initial contamination by using common sense operating practices.
How will I know if a pool is contaminated?
All pools must have a procedure in place where pools are shut or blocked off if a faecal incident occurs. A minimum time period is then followed until patrons are allowed back in the pool.
What other sort of contamination or bugs can be found in pools?
E.coli (Escherichia coli): This is a subset of coliform bacteria. An ecoli infection indicates that faecal contamination of the water has almost certainly occurred, and there is a possibility that disease causing bacteria are present.
Giardia:This is a protozoan that causes stomach upsets.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Is a bacteria that can grow in poorly treated pool water, often associated with spa pool infections, particularly on the skin.
Staphylococcus aureus:A bacteria often associated with eye, ear, throat, nose and skin infections that can survive in poorly treated water.
How are these dealt with?
If pool managers or caretakers become aware of any possible contamination in their pool they should follow the guidelines as recommended in their NZS manual.
How long does it take for you to follow up on complaints?
Only a sample test taken by a doctor can confirm whether a person has cryptosporidiosis, as the symptoms are similar to that of food poisoning.
If the result comes back positive then the doctor associated will contact the Ministry of Health. The affected person or their caregiver should also let an Environmental Health Inspector know so that an inspection can be carried out within 24 hours of the call being made.
If someone has other concerns, such as the basic hygiene standards of showers and changing rooms, they should let a North Shore City Environmental Health Officer know. To speak to an EHO please call North Shore City on (09) 486 8600.
If serious concerns are held a member of the public may contact a Ministry of Health Protection Officer for backup. To contact a Health Protection Officer please call the Ministry of Health on (04) 496 2000.
For more information please, contact a council Environmental Health Officer via North Shore City Council’s Actionline on:
Telephone: (09) 486 8600
Email: actionline@northshorecity.govt.nz
