Water fountains can be a health hazard, says CIEH

Subject: CIEH

A quarter of water features in garden centres could be a health hazard a leading environmental health organisation is warning after analysing water quality from ornamental fountains.

The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) took water samples from decorative water features across south Wales. Of the 52 samples taken 25 percent were found to contain E.coli.

None of the garden centres were able to produce cleaning schedules for the water features and when asked none of the garden centres’ personnel were aware of the potential risk presented by the contaminated water.

Decorative water features, whether in a garden centre or any other outlet are usually at a low level where they are readily accessible. Children coming into contact with it are potentially at risk.

Director of CIEH Wales Julie Barratt said:

“Our research has shown that water in ornamental water features may pose a health risk, particularly to children who find such things fascinating. While it is important not to overstate the danger it is just as important to take sensible precautions to prevent the risk of infection.

“Environmental health practitioners work with those who operate water features to ensure that the water in them is safe, but by being aware of the risks and taking a few simple steps parents can protect their children from potentially very serious illness.”

The CIEH recommends some simple steps to be taken to reduce the risk of infection:

• Prevent children from touching or playing with the water
• Prevent children from drinking the water
• Where children have touched the water wash their hands before they eat food
• If your child plays with the water and suffers from diarrhoea or vomiting 24-72 hours afterwards inform your GP that the child was in contact with the water

Water samples were analysed for E.coli and Legionella. The presence of Legionella was not detected in any of the water samples, but 13 of the 52 samples were found to contain E.coli which exceeded the microbiological standards recommended for water. 

There are a number of strains of E. coli. Most strains are harmless and live in the intestines of healthy humans and animals, but some strains produce a powerful toxin and can cause severe illness.

The report will be launched at the CIEH Public Health Initiating Outcomes conference to be held in Cardiff on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 February.