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The indoor pools of the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool, operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), was closed from today (August 21) for thorough inspection of the filtration system to trace the source of "red worms" found there.

While the indoor main, secondary and diving pools are closed, the four outdoor pools in Kowloon Park remain open to the public.

Explaining the reason for the pool closure, the Assistant Director of Leisure Services of LCSD, Mr Paul Cheung, said that the decision was a conscious one made after an inter-departmental meeting held late last night.

"We have tried all ways but cannot find out the cause of the appearance of some red worms in the indoor main pool and secondary pool. We therefore decide to drain away the water to carry out a detail inspection of the sand trap and the filtration system," he said.

Describing the approach as a prudent and cautious one, he apologised for the inconvenience caused to swimmers.

According to the Assistant Director of Engineering Services of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), Mr Stephen Chan, it would take at least 10 days for EMSD staff to work round the clock to complete the detail inspection work.

"We need to drain away the pool water, stop the filtration and circulation systems for detail investigation, carry out thorough cleansing and sterilisation work in the pool, before replacing the sand trap and refilling clean water to the pools," he explained.

The LCSD has stepped up cleansing and disinfection work at the pools after discovering a few "red worms" in the two pools earlier this month.

Repeat checking, including another one conducted overnight yesterday, of the sterilisation and filtration systems by EMSD confirmed that both systems operated normal.

Water samples sent to Water Services Department for bacteriological tests proved that the pool water was up to standard and suitable for swimming.

While pool water with the presence of a few "red worms" should not be harmful to human beings, people can enquire details using the Health Department hotline 2575 1221.

Ends/Saturday, August 21, 2004

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( Floor / Chinese / English )
( Floor / Chinese / English )