Summary
The State Board of Health, in collaboration with the Department of Health, is considering amending the water recreation rules to adopt the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) standards, reflect current practices, and improve clarity and usability. RCW 70.90.120 gives the Board the authority to adopt rules for water recreation and directs staff to review and consider the CDC’s most recent version of the Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC was updated in 2018 and 2023 however the rules have not been revised to reflect current practices. A technical advisory committee is currently working to revise the rule in collaboration with the Board and the Department of Health.
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
Informal Comment Period: August 1 - September 30, 2025
Here is how to provide input during the comment period:
- Review the draft rules on the Department of Health's Water Recreation Facilities Rule Revision webpage
- Submit written comments to waterrecreation@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 State Board of Health (Board) began updating the water recreation rules in 2016, following direction from the Legislature. Due to the emergent nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, resources had to be reallocated, leading to a delay in this work. 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.
- Water Recreation Rule Updates | Washington State Department of Health
- CR-101 filed on December 13, 2016, as WSR 17-01-048
