Health Department inspects over 400 pools this summer

Public health interns hired as water quality technicians to help manage workload

The end of summer often signals the end of pool season and that’s no different for the Hamilton County Health Department. The Department hires two public health interns as water quality technicians to help it manage the more than 400 public swimming pools it monitors during the peak season.

“We’re responsible for inspecting any and all public pools,” says Morgan Bennett, the department’s Senior Environmental Health Specialist. “That includes neighborhood and apartment complexes, splash pads, and water parks. As you can imagine, it’s a tall task – especially between Memorial and Labor Day weekends.”

The Health Department hires two interns each summer to help with the extra workload. Technicians visit each pool at least twice during the season, checking for the presence and condition of first aid equipment, assessing the operation of pump rooms, and monitoring the levels of various chemicals in the water to ensure they fall within the safe ranges set by state and county regulations.

“The inspections are critical for maintaining safe swimming environments,” says intern Ellie Karst, an Environmental Science and Public Health major at Taylor University. “We want to make sure the water is free from harmful bacteria and contaminants, while also preventing an imbalance of chemicals, which can lead to allergic reactions or skin irritation.”

In addition to inspecting the pools, water quality technicians also sample and test recreational water sites like rivers, lakes, creeks and reservoirs. “It’s been a busy summer for sure,” added intern Lauren Pike, a Chemistry major at Butler University. “Not only are we testing pools, but we’re also testing 19 recreational water sites including the White River, Geist and Morse Reservoirs for E. coli. So, no matter how residents choose to spend their summer, we can ensure they enjoy it safely.”