The Splash and Fun Park will not be closed down pending an investigation into its pools’ water quality that started following reports of contamination.

Public Health Superintendent Ray Busuttil told Times of Malta that if an establishment was considered to be of risk to the public it would be closed down.

Asked whether it was safe to say there was no risk of contamination at Splash and Fun, in Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq, he would not commit himself, given that the situation in a pool could change overnight.

However, he assured the public that the situation “is being monitored and is under control”.

“The health authorities will not close down any establishment unless there is something that is scientifically considered to pose a threat to public health,” he said.

“The quality of the water at the complex is being monitored and will continue to be until the department is satisfied that the situation is back to normal.”

When asked for more details, Dr Busuttil said he could not speak about the specifics in the Splash and Fun case due to the ongoing investigation.

He explained that all establishments that had a pool were legally obliged to carry out regular tests in private laboratories, which tests were monitored by the authorities.

The authorities only carried out their own tests if complaints were received, as happened in this case. Due to the inquiry he could not elaborate further.

In general terms, he said, a pool could be found to be safe or there could be different levels of contamination.

If the contamination was slight, did not pose a significant risk to the public and could be readily addressed, the place was not shut down.

But if the contamination was strong, posed a serious risk and could not be readily addressed, it was closed.

The quality of the water at the complex is being monitored and will continue to be

The weekly newspaper KullĦadd reported on Sunday that the water at the popular fun park was contaminated and that health authorities found traces of E.Coli, a bacterium that can cause food poisoning symptoms.

Times of Malta asked the Health Ministry whether tests had been carried out and, if so, what the outcome was. A spokesman said an investigation was under way but he could not comment further.

Splash and Fun Park management denied the pools were contaminated and guaranteed that the water complied with regulations.