Water fountains closed over high E.coli levels
SuppliedSeafront water fountains have been switched off after "significantly elevated levels of E.coli" were detected in the water, councillors have said.
The Redcar seafront fountains were closed following recent water testing which found contamination levels that posed a "potential health risk", Labour councillors for the Coatham ward Carl Quartermain and Lynne Rynn said.
They said the fountains had a UV cleaning system to manage low levels of bacteria, but levels exceeded what it could safely deal with.
Liberal Democrat councillor for Zetland Alison Barnes suggested the source of the bacteria was faeces from a nearby shelter. Redcar and Cleveland Council has been contacted for comment.
E. coli is a diverse group of bacteria which spreads through contact with animals or their faeces, through consuming contaminated food or water, and from person to person.
Some types are harmless, but others can make people seriously ill.
In a post on social media, the Labour councillors said the fountain channels had since been opened up and "thoroughly cleaned".
"While this is a positive step, the fountains will remain closed until further water testing confirms they are safe to reopen," the post said.
They warned people to stay away from the water until the all clear was given.
