INDIANA – According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, splash pads, popular water play areas in public parks, are linked to thousands of waterborne illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed troubling findings about waterborne disease outbreaks at splash pads across the United States. Between 1997 and 2022, public health officials reported 60 outbreaks associated with splash pads, with 40 (67%) of those outbreaks confirmed to be caused, at least in part, by Cryptosporidium, a parasite known to cause acute gastrointestinal illness.
These outbreaks resulted in 9,622 reported cases (91%) of illness, leading to 123 hospitalizations (81%). In addition, two outbreaks suspected to be caused by norovirus resulted in 72 emergency department visits (73%).
The CDC study highlights the critical role of Cryptosporidium in these outbreaks. While chlorine is typically used to prevent the spread of pathogens in splash pad water, Cryptosporidium is resistant to chlorine, making it the leading cause of splash pad-related waterborne disease outbreaks. The parasite can be transmitted when individuals ingest water contaminated with fecal matter from infected persons, leading to gastrointestinal illnesses.
The findings underline the importance of proper maintenance and management of splash pads to prevent contamination. According to the CDC, these outbreaks are frequently the result of maintenance issues that allow pathogens like Cryptosporidium to spread.
In response to these findings, the CDC urges public health officials and those in the aquatics sector to take action. They recommend promoting preventive measures, such as educating users on safe splash pad behaviors and improving splash pad construction, operation, and management. Additionally, the CDC encourages public health practitioners and splash pad operators to voluntarily adopt its Model Aquatic Health Code recommendations to reduce the risk of waterborne illnesses.
As the warmer months approach and splash pads become popular recreational spots, the CDC’s report serves as a critical reminder of the importance of water safety and the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure the health and well-being of the public.
More information from the CDC can be found here.
