The swimming pool at Butterworth 8 condominium in Katong was temporarily closed after an unsettling discovery of human feces in the water. The management put up a notice on June 8 informing residents of the incident and the immediate closure of the main pool for a thorough cleaning, which is expected to last for three days.
The notice, which was circulated on social media platforms including Instagram by the account Sgfollowsall, also included an image of the contaminant at the bottom of the pool. Following the cleanup, the management has requested that any witnesses come forward to assist in identifying the responsible party.
While the unfortunate incident has caused a stir among residents and netizens alike, with over 2,600 likes and multiple comments expressing disgust, the management has apologized for the inconvenience and requested cooperation from the residents during the cleaning process.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) underscores that such incidents, while unpleasant, are not unheard of. NEA performs regular inspections and hygiene checks on swimming pools in non-residential areas, ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Pool operators who fail to adhere to rules may face fines.
Meanwhile, health experts note that while chlorine in pool water does kill most germs, some bacteria from fecal matter can survive for an extended period, requiring additional cleaning agents like soda ash and chlorine to completely sanitize the water.
Butterworth 8’s management, managed by Savills Property Management, has declined additional comments on the matter.
