The Travis County Commissioners Court has filed suit to prevent NLand Surf Park from opening its pool without meeting the minimum requirements of a public pool under state law. These state laws exist to protect public health. The County enforces these minimum standards on behalf of the State. In light of the suspected amoeba infection at a similarly-sized whitewater rafting course in Charlotte, N.C., which claimed the life of an 18-year-old patron, public health standards for man-made water courses must be taken seriously.
There is no debate that the NLand Surf Park is a pool. The debate is whether it should be treated differently from other pools because of its unique characteristics. The lined pool will cover approximately 10 acres, within a 160-acre property. It will be filled with approximately 11 million gallons of non-potable rainwater run-off, and that water will not be circulated, filtered nor treated in the manner required for pools under state law. Discussions with the developer began at least two years ago. As of this writing, the developer has not yet applied for the necessary permits (much less been granted a variance) under state law. The developer asserts the pool will be open to the public within weeks.
The County remains concerned with the health standards of the NLand Surf Park facilities. We look to the State, either through administrative action or through determination by the Courts, to advise on whether this unique enterprise is entitled to special treatment under the law.
Due to pending litigation, Travis County will make no further comments regarding NLand Surf Park at this time.
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Submitted by: Travis County Emergency Services PIO Lisa Block, Tel: 512-854-7954
