Osaka Expo Halts Water Shows Due to Bacteria Contamination

The highly anticipated Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, has faced a series of setbacks, with the latest challenge stemming from

Concerns over bacterial contamination have forced organizers to temporarily suspend popular daily fountain shows and close a shallow pool area at the expo site. The closure comes after legionella bacteria, known to cause pneumonia, were detected in the water at levels exceeding the legal limit by up to 20 times.

Bacterial Contamination

The affected areas include the Water Plaza, where the aquatic show has been halted since June 4th, and the Forest of Tranquility, a shallow reservoir spanning over 2.3 hectares, which has been closed for cleaning due to the contamination. These developments have undoubtedly caused inconvenience for visitors eager to experience the expo's attractions.

Organizers have implemented comprehensive safety measures to address the situation. Increased sanitation efforts, thorough cleaning of drainage pipes, and enhanced water circulation are being undertaken to improve water quality at the reservoir and meet the health authorities' standards for reopening. However, these measures have not come without their challenges.

The expo site has been plagued by other issues, including swarms of midges that have been bothering visitors for weeks. Despite the use of insecticides, the midge population persists. Organizers now believe that the Water Plaza is the source of the infestation and are taking additional steps, such as installing an insect screen, to mitigate this problem.

Hiroyuki Ishige, secretary general of the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to visitors due to the water area closures. He acknowledged that the organizers could have acted more promptly in addressing the increased contamination levels. While there have been no reported health issues among visitors affected by the contamination, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety at large-scale events like Expo 2025.