AWWA WQTC64069

In August 2005, a cryptosporidiosis outbreak was associated with a recreational water spray park in Seneca Falls, New York. As of 30 Sept 2005, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) reported that there were approximately 4,000 cases of reported illnesses that were possibly linked to the spray ground from 37 counties in New York State. Of those, 743 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis were reported to the NYSDOH. The common symptoms reported were diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and loss of appetite. Samples were collected from the drinking fountain near the spray ground, the beach area, spray groundwater holding tanks, and the spray ground filter backwash. All were negative for Giardia. Cryptosporidium oocysts were found in the spray ground tank (30 to 50/L; E. coli = 222/100mL), filter backwash (30/L) and septic tank effluent (8 x 10⁴/L). Goose droppings from the nearby beach area were negative for Cryptosporidium. Oocysts from the spray tank, septic effluent and the clinical samples were identified as Cryptosporidium hominis, indicating a human source. At the time of the outbreak, there were no federal or state regulatory requirements specifically governing this type of recreational facility. The spray ground was designed in accordance with 10NYCRR Subpart 6-1 for spas and pools. The NYSDOH has developed stringent regulations for the 2006 season requiring spray parks to upgrade design and treatment, requiring the installation of ultraviolet (UV) light for Cryptosporidium disinfection, with UV treatment of 100% of the water returned to the spray fixtures to minimize another outbreak of this nature. NYSDOH plans to follow these regulations with increasingly stringent rules for pools and spas. Includes 13 references, tables, figure.