The Whale Tail fountain on Parade Plaza, which was due to sanitary concerns, will be reactivated with some new conditions.
According to a press release by Gail McKissick, assistant to the city manager, the water flow at the fountain will be on from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. The fountain will be monitored while it is in operation. In addition, a low wall will be installed around the fountain to ensure that it is "enjoyed as a water feature and not as a splash park in the long and short term."
The fountain was , and children and others have used it to cool down during recent hot weather. However, concerns were brought before the City Council that it was also being used by people for showering, defecation, and urination. The water in the fountain is recycled through a 100-gallon tank and filtration system.
The statement declares that the public is not to use the water in the fountain in any way.
"As a water fountain, the public is not permitted to enter the Whale Tail water, nor drink and bathe in it," it reads. "The Whale Tail is a visual and passive recreation venue. It is not designed or intended to be operated as an interactive attraction."
The city has been working with Ledge Light Health District and the Connecticut Department of Health's Environmental Health Section. The statement says the water flow to the fountain should be restored within the next several days.
