Add Atlanta, GA, Maricopa County, AZ To List Of Metro Areas With "Green Pool" Problem

In Atlanta, Georgia, WXIA-TV Channel 11 is reporting that the local foreclosure problem in the metropolitan area is giving rise to homes that are left vacant and abandoned, and that those with untended pools are giving rise to a "green pool" problem. According to the story:

• "The problem with green pools is that very few people know that there is one behind the fences of vacant homes -- and because the pool is on private property, public health officials can't get involved until or unless there's a complaint from a neighbor. The Gwinnett Health Department said they will respond quickly to a complaint, because they understand the potential threat."It does pose a public health problem. Because again it can be harborage for mosquitoes" said a Health Department representative."

For more, see Foreclosures Turn Pools Green.

In Maricopa County, Arizona, The Arizona Republic reports:

• "Increasing numbers of newer Chandler homes are being abandoned by cash-strapped owners, leaving weeds, green pools and headaches for neighbors and city officials. "It's scaring me," neighborhood services Sgt. Greg Carr said of the trend. "We're trying to figure out how we can approach this, who do we call when homeowners walk away and we can't find them?" Carr doesn't have statistics but said home foreclosures are rising and along with them code violations. His counterparts in Mesa, Gilbert and Peoria said the phenomenon is affecting those municipalities, too."

For more, see Abandoned homes concern city officials.