Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Treated Recreational Water (Swimming Pools, Waterparks, Water Playgrounds, Hot Tubs/Spas) environmental public health (EPH) practitioner can help identify the issues related to the operation and management of public treated recreational water venues that contributed to the outbreak. Outbreaks caused by chlorine- susceptible pathogens signal the need for proper halogenation (chlorination or bromination) of the water. Outbreaks caused by the highly chlorine-tolerant pathogen Cryptosporidium do not necessarily signal issues in operations. Chlorine (or bromine) concentration and pH should be tested and recorded to ensure that most pathogens are properly inactivated. Chlorine will inactivate most pathogens that cause Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) within minutes. However, Cryptosporidium can survive for more than 7 days in adequately treated recreational water.
Hot Tubs/Spas
Oceans, Lakes, Rivers (Untreated Water)
Investigation Working with an
Working with an EPH practitioner can help identify the issues related to the operation and management of public treated recreational water venues that contributed to the outbreak. Outbreaks caused by chlorine- susceptible pathogens signal the need for proper halogenation (chlorination or bromination) of the water. Outbreaks caused by the highly chlorine-tolerant pathogen Cryptosporidium do not necessarily signal issues in operations. Drain all water from the hot tub/spa. Vigorously scrub all hot tub/spa surfaces, skimming devices, and circulation components. Replace filters (for cartridge or diatomaceous earth filters) or filter media (for sand filters).
Investigations of outbreaks associated with untreated recreational water can be supported by environmental investigations (including, but not limited to, beach monitoring data and sanitary surveys) to provide information about potential sources of contamination (e.g., sewage spills, nutrient pollution). Pathogens introduced by environmental contamination or ill swimmers might not be killed or removed as readily as in treated venues due to the lack of disinfection and filtration. Control measures might take into account water quality results obtained from beach monitoring activities. Beach closures or other restrictions on use (e.g., no swimming, no fishing) may be implemented by water body managers until water quality concerns are eliminated. Control measures may also involve factors that would improve water quality (e.g., reducing the influx of environmental contaminants, improving the circulation of stagnant water). Monitoring requirements for untreated recreational water venues vary by jurisdiction.
Control
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