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  • 1.  Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th Edition

    Posted 12-16-2024 04:35 PM

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced the release of the 2024 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC; 5th edition), which includes important updates to earlier editions.

    • The Code document is model code guidance that aims to prevent illness and injury associated with public aquatic venues through venue design, construction, operation, and management.
    • The Annex document is the scientific and best practices rationale on which the model code language is based.

    U.S. local, state, territorial, and tribal officials can voluntarily use the MAHC to help reduce risk of pathogen transmission and injuries (including drowning) associated with public pools, hot tubs, or splash pads.

    What's new?

    A Sample of Key Changes Found in the 2024 MAHC:

    • Portable slides are prohibited, as their location is not fixed and the water depth, landing area, and clear spaces are not ensured.
    • Single pass splash pads are included as an interactive water play aquatic venue. This means they are subject to applicable MAHC design standards and construction, as well as facility operation and maintenance requirements.
    • The aquatic venue diarrheal-stool contamination response in the presence of cyanuric acid (CYA) was modified to add dilution credits when draining and refilling to lower the CYA concentration.
    • Artificial swimming lagoons design standards and construction, and operation and maintenance requirements are now included as a special venue.

    Get involved

    • Join the NACCHO and CDC MAHC Network, a community of MAHC users, subject matter experts, and those hoping to learn about the code (includes regular webinars).
    • Help spread the word about the 2024 MAHC (5th edition) by sharing it with colleagues in your health department.


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    Anupama Varma MS
    Communications Specialist, Environmental Health
    National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
    Washington DC
    avarma@naccho.org
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  • 2.  RE: Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th Edition

    Posted 12-18-2024 09:24 AM

    Utilizing this model code has been a big help across Georgia. When considering it, also consider the data standardization developed by NEHA. You can learn more about it here: SAFE-D Best Practices Guide



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    Timothy Callahan MPH
    Evaluation & Support Program Director
    Georgia Department of Public Health
    Atlanta GA
    (404)345-1257
    tim.callahan@dph.ga.gov
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  • 3.  RE: Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th Edition

    Posted 12-18-2024 09:49 AM

    That is a great resource, Timothy. Thank you for sharing with this network. It's great to hear a positive experience at the state level. Are there any findings at the state level in GA that indicate how implementing the code has helped local public health? We would be happy to promote as we continue to advocate for the MAHC. Other local or state health officials are welcome to add their experiences to this thread.



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    Anupama Varma MS
    Communications Specialist, Environmental Health
    National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO)
    Washington DC
    avarma@naccho.org
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th Edition

    Posted 12-19-2024 09:49 AM

    From our Public Swimming Pool Program Consutant, Liza Hardison:

    • Currently, GA is looking to revise the current pool rules and regulations and is using the newly updated MAHC as a resource.
    • MAHC was used to help develop GA pool rules and regulations on topics not found in International Swimming Pool and Spa Code such as water quality parameters and operator training
    • The MAHC Annex is beneficial as it provides scientific rationales
    • MAHC provides guidance on topics not currently in GA pool rules and regulations such as float tanks
    • MAHC toolkit: Pool Inspection Training for Environmental Health Professionals. A free online training that has provided GA Environmental Health Specialists additional training opportunities
    • The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code has developed an Aquatic Venue Public Health Inspector Course which can be incorporated into GA Environmental Health Specialist training in the future


    ------------------------------
    Timothy Callahan MPH
    Evaluation & Support Program Director
    Georgia Department of Public Health
    Atlanta GA
    (404)345-1257
    tim.callahan@dph.ga.gov
    ------------------------------