Coliform forces temporary shutdown of Liberty Park fountain
Aug 10, 2021, 3:50 PM
This fountain at Liberty Park will remain closed until no coliform is detected after cleaning. Photo: Salt Lake City Public Lands Department
SALT LAKE CITY — A drinking fountain fed by an artesian well at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City remains off-limits to the public after tests revealed the presence of coliform in the water.
Two naturally-flowing artesian water sources are found in SLC Parks. Recent tests at Liberty Park artesian fountain have shown the presence of coliform in the water. Out of an abundance of caution, the fountain has been temporarily shut off. More: https://t.co/kkWi5XLBJ8@SLCPU pic.twitter.com/HuLWTNY8jC
— SLC Public Lands (@SLCPublicLands) August 10, 2021
The Liberty Park fountain is one of two artesian water sources within Salt Lake City parks. The other, at Artesian Well Park near 800 South 500 East, remains open to the public. Both parks receive regular testing for bacteria, including coliform, and other materials.
In a news release posted online, the Salt Lake City Public Lands department said the fountain at Liberty Park will remain closed until they no longer detect coliform. It is being disinfected in the meantime.
Most coliform bacteria do not pose a threat to humans. But some types of coliform bacteria, such as E. coli, can make people sick if they eat or drink it. Symptoms of exposure can include upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.
However, the coliform found at Liberty Park does not pose a threat to the public. That’s because the artesian wells in Salt Lake City do not connect to the city’s water system and drinking water, according to the department.
Anyone with questions can contact the public lands department at 801-535-7800.
