Rushville splash pad undergoing water safety tests
June 14, 2024 at 10:44 a.m.
Rushville Parks employees are working to solve a chemical conundrum that could temporarily threaten use of the city’s splash pad.
Despite weekly testing, Parks Department officials on Tuesday said an irregularity with a recent water test requires the city to take a second look to maintain proper health standards.
Last Friday’s test showed that the water had “extra bacteria growing; not the bad ones, but they are growing which means there's a chance that the bad stuff could possibly grow,” according to Mike Shaw, parks director.
Shaw said the city pulled another sample on Monday, June 10 and sent the material out for immediate retesting. He added that two failed tests would trigger a temporary closure, but the facility still remains open for use.
“So we don't have any bad things in the water to be clear, but they did have a test that said there's not quite enough chemicals in it to kill all these things,” Shaw said.
The splash pad opened in 2021, and has become a popular park in the city.
“It’s a gathering place where you can come and just sit, watch the kids play, and have a conversation with adults,” said Amy Hammons. “It’s a safe place so you’re looking at your kids the whole time, but you’re not right on top of them the whole time.”
Shaw said results of the second test were likely due back before the end of the week.
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Rushville Parks employees are working to solve a chemical conundrum that could temporarily threaten use of the city’s splash pad.
Despite weekly testing, Parks Department officials on Tuesday said an irregularity with a recent water test requires the city to take a second look to maintain proper health standards.
Last Friday’s test showed that the water had “extra bacteria growing; not the bad ones, but they are growing which means there's a chance that the bad stuff could possibly grow,” according to Mike Shaw, parks director.
Shaw said the city pulled another sample on Monday, June 10 and sent the material out for immediate retesting. He added that two failed tests would trigger a temporary closure, but the facility still remains open for use.
“So we don't have any bad things in the water to be clear, but they did have a test that said there's not quite enough chemicals in it to kill all these things,” Shaw said.
The splash pad opened in 2021, and has become a popular park in the city.
“It’s a gathering place where you can come and just sit, watch the kids play, and have a conversation with adults,” said Amy Hammons. “It’s a safe place so you’re looking at your kids the whole time, but you’re not right on top of them the whole time.”
Shaw said results of the second test were likely due back before the end of the week.