Summary
The State Board of Health (Board) began updating the water recreation rules in 2016, following direction from the Legislature. These rules regulate aquatic and water recreation facilities, including but not limited to, swimming pools, spas, and water parks. In the rulemaking, the Board will consider the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) and update the rules to keep up with changing water recreation technologies, and to clarify the rules. A technical advisory committee is working to revise the current rule in collaboration with the Board and the Department of Health.
Due to the emergent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, resources had to be reallocated, leading to a delay in this work.
For More Information
Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050 and RCW 70.90.120.
State Board of Health Contact: Ash Noble, ash.noble@sboh.wa.gov
Department of Health Contact: Ashlie Laydon, ashlie.laydon@doh.wa.gov
Additional Background
The Water Recreation Facilities and Recreational Water Contact Facilities rules regulate aquatic and water recreation facilities in Washington state such as swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, splash pads, water parks (including slides, lagoons, and lazy rivers), natural designated swim areas, and more.
The rules intend to keep the public safe by outlining requirements related to permits for construction and operation, operating plans, water quality standards, inspections, equipment, emergency response, and personnel training. The rules are necessary and important to protect the health, safety, and welfare of individuals who use water recreation facilities and recreational water contact facilities.
The Board is exploring possible updates to the rules. Staff filed a CR-101, Preproposal Statement of Inquiry to initiate rulemaking in 2016. Possible revisions include but are not limited to:
- Updates based on industry innovations and best practices
- Consideration of the most recent Model Aquatic Health Code published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Requirements under 2017 legislation regarding inflatable water slides (HB 1449)
- Improving clarity and useability, including possible consolidation of the two rules under a single chapter
If you would like more information about this rule project, please subscribe to the Water Recreation Rule email list.
- Rulemaking Timeline
- Water Recreation Rule Updates | Washington State Department of Health
- CR-101 filed on December 13, 2016, as WSR 17-01-048
