Provo Council OKs UV-filter installation

PROVO — Provo's City Council approved a measure Tuesday to install ultraviolet filters at city pools to quell cryptosporidium outbreaks this summer.

The council appropriated $200,000 into the parks and recreation fund for the purchase and installation of the UV filtration systems at city pools, including one at Provo Recreation Center and three at Veterans Memorial Park.

Mayor Lewis Billings made the recommendation to the council because of "widespread community worry with the crypto outbreak ... throughout the state last season."

To date, nearly 2,000 Utahns have experienced symptoms including nausea and diarrhea because of the crypto parasite.

Billings said the UV treatment systems will augment existing chlorination systems at the pools.

The council voted 5-0 to approve the resolution. City Councilwomen Cindy Clark and Cindy Dayton were not present.