Announcements for the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)

CDC is pleased to announce the release of the 2016 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). This second edition of the MAHC includes important updates to the first edition released in 2014.

The MAHC offers science-based guidance that government agencies and the aquatic sector can use to reduce risk for outbreaks, drowning, and chemical injuries at public pools and hot tubs/spas at apartment complexes, hotels, and waterparks.

What’s New?

The 2016 MAHC includes structural changes, clarifying edits, and new or revised recommendations in the areas of disinfection and water quality, lifeguarding and bather supervision, risk management and safety, and ventilation and air quality. What you’ll find on the MAHC website:

• The 2016 MAHC – including model code language and annex with scientific rationale for recommendations
• A summary of key changes and a track changes version with line-by-line edits
• A MAHC-based inspection form
• Updated MAHC infographic, factsheet, and other health promotion materials
• Updated tool to help you compare your pool code and practices to those the MAHC recommends

Get Involved!

• Explore the MAHC website to check out the 2016 edition and supporting materials.
• Join the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code, which collects and votes on requested MAHC changes to recommend to CDC for final decision.
• Join the Network for the Model Aquatic Health Code, 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 2016 MAHC by sharing this information with colleagues through email, newsletters, and social media.
  • EXAMPLE TWEET: Updated pool code guidelines now available in 2016 Model Aquatic Health Code #MAHC www.cdc.gov/mahc

Join our introductory MAHC Network webinar on March 15th at 1:00-2:00PM EST

Register at the webinar registration page.

Please join us for the introductory webinar for the MAHC Network, a network to support a community of state and local MAHC users, subject matter experts, and those seeking implementation support.

Bi-monthly webinars feature brief MAHC updates and an environmental health professional’s experience using or adopting the MAHC, including their challenges, successes, and next steps.

This month’s speaker: Eugene Knight, New Mexico Swimming Pool Program Manager

The MAHC Network

The purpose of the MAHC Network is to foster a community of state and local MAHC users, subject matter experts, and those seeking implementation support. The MAHC Network is designed to help

• Increase awareness, peer-to-peer networking, and use of MAHC among health departments,
• Apply knowledge of challenges and successes from health departments,
• Expand use of the MAHC among states and localities, and
• Provide resources needed by local and state health departments to use the code.

Member Benefits

Members will have access to

• A listserv with subject matter experts and health department peers, and
• Bi-monthly webinars on a variety of MAHC topics and resources that reflect member concerns and interests, and
• An interactive online toolkit featuring resources to help create aquatic codes.

With these tools, members can

• Discuss MAHC implementation obstacles and successes with other members
• Help develop new resources by providing feedback and input
• Ask questions and seek advice about MAHC implementation

Make Sure You Vote: CMAHC Voting Period Half Way Over

Don’t forget to add your voice to updates of the MAHC by voting on the current CMAHC Change Requests (CRs).

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidance was developed to help state and local health departments prevent drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses at public swimming pools and spas. The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), a non-profit organization, works to ensure that the nation has a voice in the MAHC being regularly improved and updated to keep pace with the latest science, industry advances, and public health findings. CMAHC recommendations are of critical importance when CDC revises the MAHC, which is to be released as the MAHC 2^nd Edition in 2016.

REMEMBER! MEMBER VOTING ON 159 CRs CLOSES at MIDNIGHT on DECEMBER 20, 2015.

VOTING IS DONE ELECTRONICALLY.

CMAHC members can access the voting module by signing-in on the CMAHC website and, under the Member's Area drop-down choices in the upper right hand side of the home page, select "Member Vote."

• In the voting module, members will be able to view each of the CRs, the associated Technical Review Committee Report, and any submitted Member Comment(s).
• Members can vote either "yes,” "no,” or "abstain.”
• You do not need to finish your voting in one round so feel free to split your time to fit your schedule. As you enter your votes, click the "I'll Be Back Later" button in the upper right of the voting module to save your current vote status before you exit.
• When you have completed voting and are ready to submit your final vote, click the "Submit My Final Vote" button in the upper right of the voting module.
  • Remember---Your vote will not be counted unless you click the "Submit My Final Vote" button.
  • It is fine if you want to submit your vote and then change your mind. Just make the changes you need and submit again: you can do this as often as you want until the voting closes at midnight December 20.
• We ask that you consider voting only on those issues you are really knowledgeable about and abstain from others.

Change should be driven by the best practices or data presented. That means if the rationale does not appear to be well supported, then vote the science/best practice; submitters can accumulate more data and try again in the future.

The MAHC and CMAHC are driven by your expertise, so if you are already a member please VOTE.

If you are not yet a member, it is not too late to join so you can share your expertise and have your voice heard!

You can sign-up to become a member on the CMAHC membership page.

Bring Your Voice to Update the MAHC by Voting on CMAHC Change Requests

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) guidance was developed to help state and local health departments prevent drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses at public swimming pools and spas. The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), a non-profit organization, works to ensure that the nation has a voice in the MAHC being regularly improved and updated to keep pace with the latest science, industry advances, and public health findings. CMAHC recommendations are of critical importance when CDC revises the MAHC, which is to be released as the MAHC 2^nd Edition in 2016.

Revised MAHC Change Requests (CRs) have been posted, and a second round of member comment has just closed.

VOTING ON THE 159 CRs is NOW OPEN FOR MEMBERS FROM NOVEMBER 21 through DECEMBER 20, 2015.

VOTING IS DONE ELECTRONICALLY.

CMAHC members can access the voting module by signing-in on the CMAHC website and, under the Member's Area drop-down choices, select "Member Vote."

• In the voting module, members will be able to view each of the CRs, the associated Technical Review Committee Report, and any submitted Member Comment.
• Members can vote either "yes,” "no,” or "abstain.”
• You do not need to finish your voting in one round so feel free to split your time to fit your schedule. As you enter your votes, you may click the "I'll Be Back Later" button to save your current vote status. When you have completed your voting and are ready to submit your final vote, click the "Submit My Final Vote" button. You will still be able to change your submitted vote until the December 20 cut-off date.
• Remember---Your vote will not be counted unless you click the "Submit My Final Vote" button.
• We ask that you consider voting only on those issues you are really knowledgeable about and abstain from others.

Change should be driven by the best practices or data presented. That means if the rationale does not appear to be well supported, then vote the science/best practice; submitters can accumulate more data and try again in the future. The MAHC and CMAHC are driven by your expertise, so if you are already a member please vote.

If you are not yet a member, it is not too late to join so you can share your expertise and have your voice heard! You can sign up to become a member on the CMAHC membership page.

2015 MAHC Change Requests

Abbreviated and Full Versions Posted on CMAHC Website

Every two years, everyone across the country and around the world will have an opportunity to submit recommendations for improvements to the MAHC by submitting a Change Request form to the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC).

Over 150 Change Request forms were submitted during the January 5 to February 19, 2015 open season for consideration at the 2015 CMAHC Biennial Conference to be held in October 2015. Abbreviated (public) and full (CMAHC members) versions of all submitted 2015 Change Requests have been posted on the CMAHC website under the 2015 Change Requests page.

Members can sign in on the MAHC website front page or through the 2015 Change Request page. The CMAHC website indicates that the section for collecting CMAHC member comments on the submitted 2015 Change Requests is being completed. This new portion of the Members Only section will be launched in April.

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Calls for an Increased Focus on Improved Recreational Water Safety

NACCHO, the national organization representing local public health departments across the United States, released Statement of Policy 15-01 [PDF - 4 pages] calling for a renewed focus on improving recreational water safety. The statement emphasizes the importance of pool inspection and other recreational water safety activities at local health departments and specifically mentions the Model Aquatic Health Code as a tool health departments can use to decrease waterborne injury and illness and promote healthy swimming. The NACCHO Statement of Policy includes recommendations for improvements in regulatory oversight, water testing, funding, training, community education, and communication between partners. This is followed by a comprehensive justification for these recommendations.

Read the full Statement of Policy [PDF - 4 pages] on the NACCHO website.

For more information on recreational water safety, visit CDC's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/mahc/index.html

Submission Deadline Approaching!

From January 5-February 19, 2015, the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) will be accepting change requests for the 2nd Edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC Change Request Form is currently available with detailed instructions about how to request a change.

Set the Course for the Future: Suggest Changes to Create MAHC 2nd Edition

Do you regulate pools, design or operate aquatic facilities, or study waterborne disease or injuries? Are you a member of the public interested in protecting and advancing public health at aquatic venues? If so, you are invited to review the current version of the MAHC andsubmit your change requests by February 19, 2015.

How to Submit a Change Request

We encourage you to forward this email and/or to use your social media channels to spread the word. Please see the links below for details regarding the MAHC and CMAHC change request process and sample social media message.

• For more information about the CMAHC: http://www.cmahc.org/index.php
• To access the MAHC Change Request Form and Instructions: http://www.cmahc.org/forms.php
• For more information about the MAHC: http://www.cdc.gov/mahc
• To access the Model Aquatic Health Code: http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/pools/mahc/structure-content/index.html  
• Sample social media message:
  Public health & aquatics: Submit changes to #MAHC to make the 2nd edition even better. Open 1/5-2/19. http://www.cmahc.org/forms.php

Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC) website now live

The MAHC is happy to announce the launch of a new website for the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC). The CMAHC is a nonprofit organization created in 2014 to support and improve public health by promoting healthy and safe aquatic experiences for everyone. The CMAHC will serve as a national clearinghouse collecting input and advice on needed improvements to the MAHC. CDC views the CMAHC as a key partner in assuring that a broad array of input is collected to inform CDC on needed MAHC changes.

National Environmental Health Association CMAHC pre-conference presentations available

The CMAHC sponsored a partner pre-conference workshop called "Springboard to Prevention: The Model Aquatic Health Code, 1st Edition" at the National Environmental Health Association conference in Las Vegas on July 7. Presentation slides are available on the CMAHC website.

Workshop: National Environmental Health Association — July 7, 2014

Springboard to Prevention: The Model Aquatic Health Code, 1st Edition

This workshop at the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Annual Educational Conference (AEC) will present the "knitted" version of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC will be a guidance document that can help local and state authorities update or implement swimming pool and spa codes or standards without having to "recreate the wheel."

The workshop will cover:

• Common health concerns at aquatic venues
• Key concepts influencing lifeguarding staffing plans
• Secondary disinfection
• A science-based operational and communication support toolkit for aquatic and pool programs

The workshop will be held Monday, July 7, 2014, 1-5pm at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas, NV. Workshop registration is free with a full or one-day conference registration to the NEHA 2014 AEC.

Meeting: Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code — October 8, 2014

This FREE organizational meeting gives public health officials and members of the aquatics industry the unique opportunity to help form the Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), which will become the preeminent organization for pool and spa standard of care across the country. The CMAHC is a non-profit organization formed to serve the key role of collecting, assessing, and relaying national input on needed revisions to the MAHC back to CDC.

This year's organizational meeting will:

• Discuss how the CMAHC should be organized
• Discuss how proposed revisions to the MAHC will be submitted
• Discuss how final decisions will be made on recommendations
• Develop a research agenda for advancing the MAHC

The workshop will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014, 8am-2pm at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1000 NE Multnomah Street, Portland, OR. Meeting registration is free; email susan.wichmann@nspf.org. To register for both the CMAHC meeting and the corresponding World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), which will also feature sessions about the MAHC, visit the WAHC website.

MAHC milestone reached!

Today marks an important milestone in the development of the MAHC, the nation’s first science-based model guidance for swimming pools and other aquatic venues. The first complete "Knitted" version of the MAHC has now been released for the MAHC’s second of two 60-day rounds of public comments. This knitted version blends together the 14 modules that have been developed, opened for public comment, and revised based on your feedback.

Be a part of history—send us your comments

Are you an environmental or other public health professional, aquatics facility designer or operator, scientist specializing in waterborne disease or injury prevention, other professional, or a member of the general public interested in protecting and advancing public health at aquatic venues? If so, you are invited to review this version of the MAHC and submit your comments by May 27, 2014.

Spread the word

Please remind your colleagues that this complete, knitted version of the MAHC is now open for public comment. We encourage you to forward this email and/or to use your social media channels to spread the word. You may use, edit, or customize the following sample posts for use on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, etc.:

• Submit comments on first complete "knitted" version of Model Aquatic Health Code released today. Deadline 5/27. http://go.usa.gov/Kfex
• Be part of history! Submit comments on 1st complete national science-based code for swimming pools. http://go.usa.gov/Kfex
• First complete "knitted" version of Model Aquatic Health Code released for public comment. Submit comments by 5/27 http://go.usa.gov/Kfex

Thank you for your review! We look forward to your comments. We will revise the knitted version of the MAHC based on the comments we receive and are excited to release the MAHC 1st Edition in summer 2014.

New

The Lifeguard & Bather Supervision Module and the Ventilation and Air Quality Module have been revised and re-posted after the first public comment period.

Reminders

The first full “knitted” version of the MAHC is coming soon, and we want your feedback! We plan to release the first full version of the MAHC—a combination of all revised modules and supplemental information—in spring 2014 for a 60-day public comment period.

Get a head start!

Because the MAHC will be a long document, we encourage you to get a head start and begin compiling your comments now on the modules that have been revised after the first public comment period so that you have plenty of time to submit your feedback. The content of these modules will not change substantially, but we will have to reorganize information that may be duplicated in multiple modules and resolve conflicts where duplicate items make different recommendations. We will announce when the full version is posted and we are accepting public comments for 60 days.

Each module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

You can monitor the status of all modules on the MAHC website.

New

The Disinfection and Water Quality Module and the Regulatory Module have been revised and re-posted after the first public comment period.

Reminders

The first full version of the MAHC is coming soon, and we want your feedback! We plan to release the first full version of the MAHC—a combination of all revised modules and supplemental information—in spring 2014 for a 60-day public comment period.

Get a head start!

Because the MAHC will be a long document, we encourage you to get a head start and begin compiling your comments now on the modules that have been revised after the first public comment period so that you have plenty of time to submit your feedback. The content of these modules will not change substantially, but we will have to reorganize information that may be duplicated in multiple modules and resolve conflicts where duplicate items make different recommendations. We will announce when the full version is posted and we are accepting public comments for 60 days.

Each module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

You can monitor the status of all modules on the MAHC website.

New

The Facility Design and Construction Module has been revised and re-posted after the first public comment period. View the revised module and the response to comments document.

Reminders

Each module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

You can monitor the status of all modules on the MAHC website.

New

The Risk Management/Safety Module has been revised and re-posted after the first public comment period.

Reminders

Each module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

You can monitor the status of all modules on the MAHC website.

New

All 14/14 MAHC modules are now available for public viewing. In addition, 7/14 MAHC modules have been revised following public comment and have been re-posted for viewing.

The Recirculation Systems and Filtration Module is now open for public comment through August 31, 2013.

The Facility Maintenance and Operation Module has been revised and re-posted after the first public comment period. View the revised module and the response to comments documents.

Reminders

Each module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

You can monitor the status of all modules on the MAHC website.

New

Four modules have been revised and re-posted after the first public comment period:

• Monitoring and Testing Module (posted 06/05/13)
• Contamination Burden Module (posted 06/05/13)
• Hygiene Facilities Module (posted 05/30/13)
• Fecal/Vomit/Blood Contamination Module (posted 05/30/13)

Reminders

Each module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

You can monitor the status of all modules on the MAHC website.

Be the first to know CDC’s latest recommendations for aquatic venues!

Join CDC and partners for the release of the first edition of the Model Aquatic Health Code for final public comment. The event will take place at the National Environmental Health Aquatic Symposium, a special preconference at this year’s National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Annual Educational Conference & Exhibition.

The preconference will be held Monday, July 8th from 1-5 p.m. 
Register for NEHA preconference on the MAHC.

Note: The symposium is free with any one-day or full conference registration. After logging in and registering for the conference, you will have the option to add this symposium and other preconference workshops. Questions? Visit http://neha2013aec.org/ to learn more about the conference and preconference.

New

The Monitoring and Testing Module is open for public comment through February 10, 2013.

You may also notice the website’s new look! We have redesigned the site and will be making further changes in the coming months as the MAHC continues its evolution.

Reminders

Each newly posted module has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

To learn more about public comments, visit the Public Comment Process page.

Public comment period closing October 14

The public comment period for three MAHC modules will close this Sunday, October 14:

• Contamination Burden Module
• Facility Design and Construction Module
• Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision Module

New Fact Sheet: Model Aquatic Health Code

Download and print our new fact sheet, "The Model Aquatic Health Code: Making Swimming Healthy and Safe". [PDF - 2 pages]

Update

The public comment period for the Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision Module has been extended to accommodate requests for additional time after the end of the busy swim season. The public comment period will now close on October 14, 2012.

New

Participate in a free webinar on preventing drowning, injuries, and the spread of recreational water illnesses through the Model Aquatic Health Code. Hosted by the Network for Public Health Law, the webinar features Lieutenant Commander Jasen Kunz of CDC and Doug Farquhar of the National Conference for State Legislatures.

Click here for more information and to register for the FREE webinar, held on August 16, 2012 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET).

New

The Contamination Burden Module is open for public comment through October 14, 2012.

The Facility Design and Construction Module is open for public comment through October 14, 2012.

Reminder

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

New

The Lifeguarding and Bather Supervision Module is open for public comment through July 30, 2012. (Update: This public comment period has been extended through October 14, 2012.)

Reminder

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

New

The Disinfection and Water Quality Module is open for public comment through April 27, 2012.

Reminder

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

New

The Regulatory Program Administration Module is open for public comment through February 5, 2011.

Reminder

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

New

Find out the latest update on progress with the MAHC by watching a 1-hour presentation by Doug Sackett, Director of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), which was presented at the World Aquatic Health™ Conference in Seattle on October 14, 2011. Watch this presentation (courtesy of the National Swimming Pool Foundation) and others for free by going to the Training & Education page.

The Preface, User Guide, and Glossary have been revised following their first 60-day public comment period. They are now posted for viewing, not public comment.

Reminder

The public comment period for the MAHC Risk Management/Safety Module closes this Friday, November 18, at midnight EST. Get your comments in now so you can influence the revision of this important module.

Upcoming

The Regulatory Program Administration Module is now in CDC clearance. We anticipate that it will be ready to be posted for public comment in the next month.

The following technical modules are now available for public comment:

• The Facility Maintenance and Operation Module is open for public comment through December 29, 2011.
• The Hygiene Facilities Module is open for public comment through December 29, 2011.
• The Preface, User Guide, and Glossary have been revised following the first 60-day public comment period. They are currently in CDC clearance and are expected to be posted for viewing, not public comment, within the next month.
• The Regulatory Program Administration Module is in final editing by the MAHC Editor and is expected to go into CDC clearance in the next several weeks.

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

The following technical modules are now available for public comment:

• The Risk Management/Safety Module is open for public comment through November 18, 2011.
• The Facility Maintenance and Operation Module and the Hygiene Facilities Module are in final CDC clearance and should be posted for public comment within the next several weeks.

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

The following technical modules are now available for public comment:

• The Ventilation and Air Quality Module is open for public comment through June 12, 2011.
• The Operator Training Module has been re-posted after addressing the first round of public comments. It will be open again for public comment when the complete MAHC is posted and is made available now as a resource for those updating their pool codes in the near future.

Each newly posted MAHC module also has a short synopsis or abstract highlighting the most critical recommendations. Please visit the MAHC Module Abstracts page for more information.

We also have a new "MAHC In the News" feature with webinars, magazines, and other MAHC news items that have been published by external groups about the MAHC effort. Please visit the MAHC Newsroom for the latest updates.

Based on partner feedback, the closing date for public comments on the Operator Training Module has been extended until October 31, 2010.

The following technical module is now available for public comment:

• The Operator Training Module is open for public comment through September 25, 2010.

Model Aquatic Health Code News - October 10, 2008 [PDF - 1 page]

Announces release for public comment of MAHC modules 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 (Preface, User Guide, Definitions) and module 8.0 Annex supporting module 6.5 Fecal/Vomit/Blood Contamination Response. These modules include the MAHC preface, guidelines for MAHC use, and an initial list of definitions to be used with the MAHC. The Annex contains explanations and references supporting the Fecal/Vomit /Blood Contamination

Model Aquatic Health Code News - October 1, 2008 [PDF - 1 page]

Announces release for public comment of MAHC module 6.0 Policies and Management; 6.5 Fecal/Vomit/Blood Contamination Response.

This module covers response guidelines for the disinfection of water and surfaces following contamination with feces, vomit or blood.