Borden Natural Swimming Pool Lifesaving Society Fall Forum Presentation. City of Edmonton

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2 Borden Natural Swimming Pool Lifesaving Society Fall Forum Presentation

3 Overview A Natural Swim Experience (NSE) or Natural Swimming Pool (an NSP) is a system consisting of a constructed body of water, where the water is contained in an isolated basin, in which no chemicals that disinfect or sterilize the water are used, and all clarifying and cleaning of the water is achieved purely with the motion of the water through biological filters, plants rooted hydroponically in the system, and mechanical filters.

4 Overview of presentation outline History Background Design/Governance Operation Lifeguarding Public Response Learnings.

5 History Early 1900 s: Borden Park was destination for family events and attractions 1924: Borden Park Outdoor Pool

6 History

7 History 2006: The Borden Park Revitalization Plan

8 Natural Swimming Pool Concept accessible swimming for all varying depths of water, beach, wood and concrete areas natural areas environmentally sensitive have plant material in and around the water unstructured water play amenity building

9 Background

10 Background Risk Low operator understanding and confidence Commissioning and turnover difficulties Non-acceptance by the public Non-compliance with Alberta Health Services

11 Project Team Established Alberta Health Services Concerns Management of Water Quality

12 Partners gh3

13 Mitigation Strategies Accept Avoid Mitigate Transfer

14 Governance

15 Water Quality Partners Dr. Ashbolt and Team - Risk Assessment Dr. Ashbolt is a professor at the University of Alberta, School of Public Health, whose research focused on water system management from a public health perspective Assessment of human health risks from faecal pathogens associated with a Natural Swimming Pool (NSP)

16 Dr. Ashbolt and Team - Risk Assessment WHO Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA) model Goal: evaluate adequacy of the designed system for the control of faecal pathogens Conclusion: the addition of UV disinfection reduced or prevented the risk of pathogens being carried across the entire system

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18 Borden Natural Swimming Pool the first Public Natural Swimming Pool in Canada The first City of Edmonton Outdoor swimming pool with a sand relaxation area The first City of Edmonton Outdoor swimming pool with beach volleyball

19 Natural Swimming Pool Principles NSP s are constructed ecosystems in which the conditions found in natural water bodies are replicated, developed and optimized

20 Filtration through Living Water A cooperation of: Zooplankton Phytoplankton Water plants and grasses Mechanical filtration and substrates UV radiation Good Bacteria

21 Zooplankton Zooplankton are naturally occurring in any non chemically treated body of water that is oxygenated. Zooplankton are active cleaners which going and locate the necessary contaminants in the pool.

22 Phytoplankton Are photosynthesizing microscopic organisms. Also known as algae. Phytoplankton come in many forms: diatoms, Dinoflagellates Assist in ensuring that there is enough nutrients in the system.

23 Filter System Layout

24 Neptune Filter Similar to an open air sand filter Composed of different types of layered granite rock Has over 20 different plant species present, approximately 2000 plants present

25 Hydrobotanical Habitat for the zoo plankton Comprised of 15 species of plants Allows for elimination of viruses, bacteria through zoo plankton

26 Submersive Secondary habitat for the zoo plankton Comprised of 20 species of plants Composed of different types of layered granite rock Allows for elimination of viruses, bacteria through zoo plankton

27 How is Borden Different Key differences due to Natural filtration from a traditional pool: Water will be greenish in colour Water Temperature is approximately 23 oc Water will feel softer

28 Water Clarity The water has a greenish hue due to the phytoplankton (algae) that produce oxygen in the water Borden maintained The Lifesaving Society recommendation of the black dot to determine visibility Can you see the bottom??

29 Lifeguarding a Natural Swimming Pool

30 Lifeguarding Although Borden is in the shape of a traditional pool, the living water causes some unique situations. Lifeguarding an NSP is more similar to lifeguarding at a lake or beach front Water Clarity changes throughout the day Closing areas of the pool to ensure public safety

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32 Factors affecting Lifeguarding Glare Cloud Cover Lighting Overcast skies Evening sunset Smoke diffused sunlight Turbidity Algae

33 Public Education Please alert staff immediately if you think you or your child may have accidentally contaminated the water Non Phosphate shampoo, conditioners, sunscreens, body lotion Proper Swim attire Head to toe Soaking Showers Do not swim if you have been sick in the last 2 weeks, or have open wounds Don t drink the water

34 Public Education Glass containers are not permitted at the facility Leave your pets at home Food and street shoes are not permitted near the water When washing hands and hair, make sure to rinse off as much of the soap as possible Throw garbage in the trash to help keep the facility clean and pest-free

35 Public Safety To ensure public safety modern technologies were utilized Programmable Logic Control System (PLC) On site biological testing equipment (qpcr testing equipment) smartroll water quality testing equipment DANA System

36 Public Response Prior to the facility opening there was apprehension. Upon opening a large majority of the apprehension was alleviated. Overall Positive response

37 Public Response Public initially startled by how cool the water is, but the sand area and the compound heats up throughout the day, so the water is refreshing and enjoyable Love the sand Enjoy the lake like water Like to see the public showering

38 Learnings Lighting System more adaptive and responsive System more effective Sand Algae Management

39 Questions

40 Office of City Manager Citythe of Edmonton Corporate Strategic Services

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46 Office of City Manager Citythe of Edmonton Corporate Strategic Services

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