All clear awaited after e-coli scare prompts council shutdown of seafront water features
Water features on Redcar’s Esplanade remain switched off after “abnormally high levels” of e-coli were recently found in routine sampling.
The bacteria is a group of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of humans and animals. It can be excreted from the human body in faeces and can be spread via unwashed hands.
It commonly causes sickness and diarrhoea, but infections can be more serious in the elderly and infirm.
The water features have a UV cleaning system incorporated into their operation, but levels exceeded what could be safely dealt with.
A statement from Redcar and Cleveland Council said: “A fountain on Redcar seafront has been temporarily closed after abnormally high levels of e-coli were found.
“Specialists have been tackling the issue and we will look to re-open the fountain as soon as we are able to confirm it is safe.”
Cleaning has taken place, but the all clear is yet to be given with more testing of water samples needed.
The fountains are in the vicinity of wooden shelters intended as seating for the public which were previously erected by the council.