The Dimond Park Aquatic Center reopened mid-day on Monday after being closed unexpectedly since Saturday.
Kathrin Millhorn, city aquatics manager, said they completed monthly required water testing on Wednesday. They heard back from the state on Saturday morning that the test failed.
“We didn’t feel like the test was accurate but we wanted to be safe,” Millhorn said. “We did a follow-up test on Saturday, in order to be compliant with state regulation we closed for the test period.”
Millhorn said the test failed because the sample showed high bacteria levels.
They tested the water again Saturday upon learning of the failure and received results back on Monday. Millhorn said they are puzzled by the failure of the first test, because Monday’s results came back with bacteria levels “way, way, way below norms.”
She said they consistently complete their water chemistry and have had no indications of problems since the new facility’s full opening this month.
“We do in fact meet the state standard,” Millhorn said. “No extra testing is required right now. The test results we got back this morning were really good. If we had a concern we wouldn’t have reopened the facility. We will continue to monitor it because it’s required by state regulations.”
The facility reopened at 3 p.m. Monday.
“We’re on our normal schedule,” Millhorn said. “The water’s good, there’s no need to be concerned. We want everyone to come back and use the facility, there are people here now.”
• Contact reporter Sarah Day at 523-2279 or at sarah.day@juneauempire.com.
Comments (11)
Add commentMy kids have been there a lot
My kids have been there a lot and I was in there last night after it reopened. There was not a lot of chlorine. Not like the downtown pool where your eyes burn from the chlorine. I felt it was a good facility for the kids. One failed bacterialogical test does not a cesspool make. That is why they require multiple follow up tests. I felt it was a great pool, only wish it were bigger. I has really given the kids something fun to do. Any thing that gets them away from the computer games and being active is a good thing.
False negative:
After listing to the news this AM, it sounds like the test was a false negative. As new as this pool is I’m sure there will be a few things to work out. I didn’t vote for the pool but I understand it is a fine facility and an opportunity for kids to get out from under their PC or TV as Kpawsuh mentioned. I also have a friend who has been out of work for sometime and was hired by the city to work there. I’m happy for that.
Isn't a cestpool
somewhere that you swim with family members? I guess that's better than a cystpool though.
Hard work
I worked this job for 6 months. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some plumbing problems. They only had 3 plumbers doing all the pipe laying, two journeyman and an apprentice. I worked beside them through the whole project, a lot of cold days without those windows being installed because AML lost the glass, that was pretty "funny" concerning all the guys who where supposed to be working the windows got sent home for two weeks. Wonder if they ever got reimbursed... But yea, the park was a lot of fun building... I have tendentious now in my elbow from digging all the pipe bedding for the drains/water supply's. Not to mention hauling around that damn concrete hose all day pooring all the walls and decking. I guess my point is that many people got hurt, lost work, put there blood and sweat into making this thing happen this winter.. Quit complaining if there was some bacteria in the water, and be happy that we have a wonderful new place to teach our kids to swim and and have a blast at...
You had a job !
AKJAMIN..... perhaps you should be more grateful for having a job during such tough economic times rather than complaining about normal working conditions in your industry. Really? Delays and lost materials in construction? Say it isnt so !!! Cash your paycheck and be quiet !!
Concerned citizen
Hey, who the hell are you really. Name the time and place and I bet there's about 40 other guys who'd love to take a crack at anybody who mocks the sacrifices we all made. I bet Matt Berry would love to be first in line for such stupid statement....
AKJAMMIN
Thank you for your's and every construction workers efforts placed to give us that pool. I know sacrifices were made, blood was spilled and ppl were injured during construction to give us that facility. So from my family to yours, Thank you. My children will enjoy it immensely !
Blood & Sweat? (LOL)
Jeez AKJAMIN. You make it sound like you were building the friggin' Hoover Dam or something.
Sigh
Na man I just hate nay Sayers. Everybody's got families and its more then just money... I guess I take it personnally when someone doesnt actually have the consideration and starts running off at their mouth... No hoover dam, but geez can you imagine the concrete pooring on that job lol!