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After pool incident, Gibson County Health Department urges confirmatory testing and certified operator oversight
Summary
Following an incident that prompted shock‑treatment and testing at the Princeton aquatic center, the county health department recommended a second confirmatory test before reopening and urged the use of a certified pool operator; full lab results were expected within two days.
Council members and staff reported recent water‑quality problems at the city aquatic center and described immediate remedial actions, and the Gibson County Health Department said it would require confirmatory testing before the pool reopens.
The chair (S1) said staff treated the pool, ran circulation, and added chemicals after a circulation‑pump failure; staff said daily tests are being completed and that a full lab test would return results in about two days. The chair said staff followed immediate procedures to shock and circulate the pool while repairs were completed.
Julie (speaker S11), identified herself as the administrator of the Gibson County Health Department, told the council the department was concerned about bacterial results and would work with county commissioners and the city attorney on a protocol that requires a confirmatory test before reopening. Julie said the state’s guidance is to require a second test to confirm closure decisions and urged that a certified pool operator (CPO) be responsible for monitoring and recordkeeping.
Council members pressed staff on whether the city has a certified pool operator on staff; the chair confirmed Misty is certified. Julie recommended a licensed operator be assigned oversight and said the county will follow other local jurisdictions’ practices to ensure timely testing and public‑health protection.
Why it matters: Pool water quality and oversight are public‑health issues affecting families and swimmers; council members discussed both operational staffing and longer‑term ordinance options to ensure closures and reopenings meet health‑department standards.
Next steps: The city awaits final lab results in the next two days; staff and the county health department plan to coordinate on a protocol requiring a confirmatory test before reopening and on potential ordinance language to clarify responsibilities.
