Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)
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MAHC Announcements
Volunteers Still Needed for MAHC Development
Technical committees are still being formed to address future modules. If you are committed, flexible, willing to help advance public health and aquatics, and would like to consider becoming a part of this exciting project, we invite you to fill out the Application Packet 
(PDF, 102 KB) or contact us at MAHC@cdc.gov so we can provide you additional information.
October 10, 2008.
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
Background
In the United States, all pool codes are reviewed and approved by state and/or local public health officials. As a result, there are no uniform national standards governing design, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other treated recreational water venues. Thus, the code requirements for preventing and responding to recreational water illnesses can vary significantly among local and state agencies. The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is intended to transform the typical health department program into a data-driven, knowledge-based, risk reduction effort to prevent disease and injuries and promote healthy recreational water experiences. This MAHC should ensure that the best available standards and practices for protecting public health are available for adoption by state and local agencies. It will provide uniform guidelines for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of swimming pools and other disinfected swimming venues to prevent recreational water illnesses and promote healthy recreational water experiences. There is no federal regulatory authority for disinfected recreational venues. As a result this Model Aquatic Health Code will serve as a model and guide for local and state agencies needing guidance to update or implement a MAHC in their jurisdiction.
This effort stems from a CDC-sponsored workshop titled "Recreational Water Illness Prevention at Disinfected Swimming Venues" convened on February 15-17, 2005, in Atlanta, Georgia. The workshop assembled persons from different disciplines working in state, local or federal public health agencies and the aquatics industry to discuss ways to minimize the public health risks associated with recreational water illnesses spread through disinfected swimming venues. CDC, through an initial grant from the National Swimming Pool Foundation, is working with public health and industry representatives across the United States to build this effort. Initial efforts will be focused on reducing the spread of recreational water illnesses at treated swimming venues.
MAHC Process
Model Aquatic Health Code Vision and Objectives (PDF, 45 KB)
MAHC Process Diagram (PDF, 20 KB)
The MAHC process involves a Steering Committee guiding the work of many Technical Committees working on specific areas of the MAHC. The linked Project Outline document describes the MAHC vision, organization, goals, and objectives. The MAHC Process Diagram illustrates the sequence of events being undertaken as part of the MAHC process.
Organization of MAHC Effort
Information and Assistance
For questions or comments about the MAHC or if you are interested in providing input into this process as a member of a technical committee, please email MAHC@cdc.gov.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
Division of Parasitic Diseases
National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-borne, and Enteric Diseases
Page last modified: October 20, 2008