Water park moves to head off parasite
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) -- A popular Duluth water park plans to install new water purification equipment in hopes of preventing more cases of a parasitic disease.
Officials with the Edgewater Resort and Water Park and its parent company, ZMC Hotels, announced Sunday they're investing $100,000 in state-of-the-art equipment that uses ultraviolet light to kill microbes.
Last month, state health officials linked the Edgewater to several cases of cryptosporidium, a chlorine-resistant parasite that causes flu-like symptoms.
The UV equipment is not required by state or local health agencies. Officials say it will have the added benefit of reducing the smell of chlorine.
The Edgewater, which is one of northeastern Minnesota's top tourist attractions, says it will also work to educate guests about safe swimming practices, including showering before they enter the water park.
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