FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
5th Edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code
Artificial Swimming Lagoon Water Flow Schematic From the Model Aquatic Health Code
Water flow in a typical artificial swimming lagoon moves from the designated swimming area (DSA) into the water sports area. The water then follows a gravity flow course through a sump pump, filtration and disinfection systems, and back into the DSA. Image courtesy of Crystal Lagoons.
Learn more about the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC): www.cdc.gov/model-aquatic-health- code/php/about/index.html Get MAHC tools and training: www.cdc.gov/ model-aquatic-health-code/php/training/ index.html
» Failure to prevent unauthorized access to pool chemical storage spaces. • For aquatic facilities that have a single zone of patron surveillance, two qualified lifeguards are required to be present and available to respond to aquatic emergencies (MAHC 6.3.4.3.1). Key Changes in Chapter 7 In Chapter 7, Special Venues: • Artificial swimming lagoons (ASLs) have been added. » Design standards and construction, and operation and maintenance require- ments are now included in MAHC 7.3 and 7.4 (Figure 2). » ASLs are defined in the MAHC as large- format aquatic venues. » ASLs mimic a natural water body and consist of one or more designated swim- ming areas with the remainder of the lagoon designated for water sports and nontraditional uses, including kayaking, paddle-boarding, windsurfing, boating, and scuba diving training. Resources for the Model Aquatic Health Code The MAHC website (www.cdc.gov/model- aquatic-health-code/php/about/index.html)
Development of the 5th Edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) worked with the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) to develop the 5th edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The CMAHC collected, assessed, and relayed national input on recommended MAHC revisions to CDC for consideration. The CMAHC received 202 change re- quests for the 5th edition. The process for these change requests included: • Proposed changes were presented and discussed at the 2024 CMAHC Vote on the Code Conference at the Association of Aquatic Professionals Annual Conference & Exposition in Reno, Nevada. • CMAHC membership voted to accept or reject change requests for incorporation into the 5th edition. • The CMAHC board of directors reviewed all approved change requests and made final recommendations to CDC. • CDC made final decisions on change requests.
Key Changes in Chapter 6 In Chapter 6, Policies and Management: • The aquatic venue diarrheal-stool con- tamination response in the presence of CYA guidance was modified to add dilu- tion credits when draining and refilling to lower the CYA concentration (MAHC 6.5.3.2.1). Some Cryptosporidium reduc- tion is achieved by draining and refilling, therefore, the hyperchlorination step does not need to achieve the full 3-log reduction reducing hyperchlorination time. A table was also added to display log reductions based on the initial CYA concentration and the percentage of the aquatic venue drained and refilled. • Two additional health hazards were added, requiring immediate closure (MAHC 6.6.3.1): » Failure to provide interlock controls and flow meters/flow switches/pressure switches in accordance with MAHC sec- tion 4.7.3.2.1.3, or when the interlock controls are not operating properly or have been disabled or bypassed.
41
May 2025 • Journal of Environmental Health
Powered by FlippingBook