Recreational water illnesses a threat

Swimming pools are a great way to stay active and cool during the hot summer months. Pool water, however, sometimes can be a source of more than just good, clean fun. Germs such as cryptosporidium, giardia, pathogenic E. coil, and shigella can contaminate swimming water--even if it is treated with chlorine--and increase the chance of illness.

Swallowing, breathing, or having contact with contaminated water in swimming pools--whether at municipal pools, water parks, or at home--can cause recreational water illnesses (RWIs). The germs that trigger RWIs are present in water that has been contaminated with fecal matter. Pools are compromised when a person with diarrhea swims or has an "accident" in the water. Children can suffer more severe illness, if infected.

At public pools, it is important to be aware of the potential for contamination and risks for illness, advises Nancy Hall, supervisor of environmental microbiology at the University of Iowa Hygienic Laboratory, Ames.

"Pool operators do the best job they can making sure the water quality is safe for swimming, but the heat, sunlight, and large numbers of swimmers on very hot summer days can affect this quality greatly. Swimmers and parents of young swimmers must do their part to keep harmful germs out of the pool."

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