Cutler Park water tests positive for coliform and E. coli, notices posted

If you're planning to head out to Cutler Park to swim this warm summer weekend, here's what you need to know. 

Recently, park staff tested the water, part of standard quarterly requirements. The tests came back with bacteria levels not suitable to drink or use. Staff decided to close the park on Thursday to begin addressing the problem. 

The park, just north of Visalia, was reopened late Friday morning and will remain open through the weekend, park officials said. 

Neil Pilegard, parks and recreation manager, said the water system is tested quarterly. When the water test came back this time, it tested positive for total coliform and E. coli. 

"Whenever we test positive we go through the distillation system and chlorinate the water," he said.

That process was done on Friday.  

To be safe, posted on park bathrooms were signs that stated: "Due to recent bacteriological samples being positive for total coliform and E. coli, the State Water Resource Control Board, Division of Drinking Water are advising employees and all visitors to Cutler Park to use boiled tap water or bottled water for drinking and cooking purposes as a safety precaution."

Park visitors, especially in the summer when there's water in the St. John's River, use the water to cook for picnics and barbecues at the park while families swim. 

Waterspouts throughout the park were spraying full force as the water system was being flushed Friday. Maintenance crews worked on the water system as visitors slowly started trickling in. 

The issue should be fixed but results from a follow-up water test wouldn't be back until Monday, Pilegard said. 

Visitors are asked not to drink from the water fountains. Portable restrooms were delivered to the park Friday morning as a precaution. 

Total coliforms can potentially cause health problems if they are consumed, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. 

The water system at the park is relatively new, just two years old. Maintenance crews are not sure what caused the water to test positive for bacteria.

Water fountains at Mooney Grove Park have also recently tested positive for bacteria. The water use restrictions have since been lifted.

Much like Cutler Park, Mooney Grove also has a new water system. Staff is not sure what is causing the water issues, but are fixing them as soon as they are discovered. 

Unlike Cutler Park, Mooney Grove wasn't closed, but fountains were shut off. 

Cutler Park's closure didn't stop some from enjoying the park Thursday.

First responders were called around 3:30 p.m. when a woman broke her ankle while using a homemade swing to splash into the river that runs through the park. Two people helped the woman out of the water. She was treated by paramedics who had to cut through chains to enter the park.  

For both parks, summer is the busiest year.

Park staff wants to remind visitors, fireworks are prohibited from being used in the parks and visitors should also stay at least 100 feet from the river's weir at Cutler Park.