Download REHIS Journal 21/3 (Autumn 2009) - The Royal ...

Environmental Health Scotland
Interactive Water Features
There has been a large increase in recent years of
these features appearing in the UK. There are a wide
variety of spray and splash systems, often with all or
some of the water being recycled.
Whilst well-designed, managed and maintained
features present little risk there are a number of
potential problems to be considered. These include:
• the water systems open to infections and
contamination from users, animals, pests, etc
• failure to treat and control adequately
re-circulated water
• children prone to drinking or ingesting the
water.
Over the years in the USA there have been a number
of outbreaks associated with these features. In
1997 in Minnesota 369 cases of Cryptosporidiosis
were associated with a feature at a zoo. In 1999, in
Daytona Beach, Florida, there was an outbreak of
Shigella and Cryptosporidiosis. Outbreaks were
generally caused by poor design and maintenance
of the features.
The Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG)
guidance (mentioned below) now contains advice
on such features.
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group Guidance
- Swimming Pool Water Treatment and Quality
Standards for Pools and Spas
The second edition of the guidance was launched
at the Conference. PWTAG guidance has been
available since 1999. The second edition updates a
significant number of chapters as well as introducing
advice and technical guidance in a number of new
areas. As there are no specific regulatory controls
on swimming pool standards the guidance acts as
an important benchmark for enforcing the Health
and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 in relation to the
safe operation of pools and spas. It is recognised
that the guidance should also be read and followed
in conjunction with Health and Safety Executive and
Health Protection Agency 1,2 guidance on the subject.
The guidance is essential for the environmental
health profession involved in inspecting and dealing
with swimming pools and spas.
Whilst the principles of water treatment have barely
changed since the guidance was first published,
new challenges have emerged. Outbreaks of
Cryptosporidiosis linked to pool use, legionella in
spa pools, concerns about links to childhood
asthma and continued use of chlorine disinfection are
just some. The guidance tackles these and has new
chapters on the following subjects:
• dealing with outbreaks
• spa pools - commercial and domestic hot tubs
• leisure pools including water features
• hydrotherapy pools
• outdoor swimming and paddling pools
• pools in holiday camps, hotels, schools and on
ships
• domestic pools
• interactive water features and play equipment.
The guidance is designed to be used by designers,
suppliers, operators and managers of any type and
size of pool.
Further useful information and how to get a copy of
the guidance are available on the PWTAG website:
www.pwtag.org.
A Challenge to Public Health
It is sometimes easy to forget the crucial role
environmental health have to play in this aspect
of public health control. Swimming pools and
leisure complexes are not a frequent occurrence on
inspection programmes and many fall under the remit
of the HSE for enforcement. However, if something
goes wrong and outbreaks occur then we will be drawn
into resolving the problem.
I have to admit that many of the technical papers
presented at the Conference were perhaps a challenge
to my academic abilities. However, it only further
highlighted the complex chemical, physical and
biological elements of water quality and treatment
that are required to ensure public health and safety
in swimming pools.
In pressing times for environmental health resources
in local government it would be easy to dismiss this
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