NATCHEZ — Filled with green algae and teeming with tiny organisms the puddles in Memorial Park almost look like their own attraction — not a byproduct of the park’s fountain.

From a small crack at the base of the fountain, water slowly seeps and pools on the path around the fountain.

As early as today the Natchez Public Works Department could begin draining the fountain in an effort find and stop the leak.

Director of Public Works Eric Smith said the leak shouldn’t be difficult to repair.

“But first we need to get all the water out,” he said. “Then we can assess the situation.”

Smith speculated the inside of the fountain had a crack that has caused the puddle around the fountain.

“Judging from the water I don’t think it’s a very big leak,” he said.

While Smith said his department has known about the leak for less than one week some say the problem has been going on longer.

Dan Bland lives across the street from the park and said the leak has been a problem for at least two months.

“It’s breeding mosquitoes,” he said. “It obviously needs work.”

Bland said after several calls to the city he was unable to get any work done.

However on Wednesday Smith projected, once drained, the pool around the fountain should take approximately one week to repair.

“It really depends on the leak,” he said.

Smith said he believes the leak originated in the mortar on the fountain.

“Over time that mortar weakens,” he said. “Just like a brick house.”

Smith said a work crew will use a substance like brick putty to patch the leak.

While drained the pool will be cleaned and possibly repainted Smith said.

In March 2007 the fountain did have refurbishment work but it was only cosmetic, Smith said.

As for the fish that live in the fountain, they’ll be temporarily relocated and moved back into the pool once work repairs are completed, Smith said.