Possible Contamination of Water Supply at Water World

A power outage and subsequent repair of a broken valve at Water World in Federal Heights likely allowed water from an irrigation pond to flow into the domestic water supply. This untreated water might have affected drinking fountains, and been used to make ice, drinks and food at all concession stands. This may also include water in some of the swimming pools. This may have affected guests who visited Water World on Monday, June 11 through Wednesday, June 13.

Water World, City of Federal Heights, Tri-County Health Department, and Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are jointly investigating the situation.

“The problem has been corrected, so any possible exposure was limited to those three days. We are notifying the public out of an abundance of caution so that guests can be aware of any symptoms from ingesting untreated water,” said John M. Douglas, Jr., MD, Executive Director of Tri-County Health Department. “These symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea and fever. Symptoms can appear as soon as 12 hours after exposure and as long as 45 days after exposure. ”

Anyone experiencing these symptoms who visited Water World on June 11, 12, or 13 should call the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment at 303-692-2700; and then contact their health care provider. Their doctor can check for pathogens sometimes found in untreated water -- including norovirus, giardia, E. coli, cryptosporidium and hepatitis A -- and then recommend appropriate treatment.

There are no reported illnesses at this time. The affected area was limited to the Water World location and there was no impact to the City of Federal Heights water distribution system, which is safe. 

Water World is in full cooperation and actively working to flush, disinfect and sample their drinking water, as well as ensure that the retail food and swimming areas are safe.  As such, Water World will be closed Thursday, June 14, and will reopen on Friday, June 15.