Model Aquatic Health Code Guidance
Implementing MAHC-specific or aquatic health and safety programs? Check out the MAHC and other tools to reduce risk for outbreaks, drowning, and pool-chemical injuries.
Visit the MAHC website to access
- The current MAHC guidelines.
- Mini-MAHCs (aggregated code and annex language on a specific public health issue in a more concise document).
- Tool for comparing the MAHC with existing pool codes.
- More MAHC resources such investigating and reporting forms and response protocols.
How to Use the MAHC
The free, science-based 2018 Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) (3rd Edition) launched July 18, 2018. State and local government agencies and the aquatics sector can use MAHC guidance to reduce risk for outbreaks, drowning, and pool-chemical injuries at
- Public swimming pools
- Pools, hot tubs, and spas in hotels, apartment complexes, and neighborhoods
- Waterparks
- Other aquatic facilities
The MAHC guidelines address the design, construction, operation, maintenance, policies, and management of public aquatic facilities. States and localities can use it to create or update existing pool codes to reduce risk for drowning, waterborne illness outbreaks, injuries, and exposures to pool chemicals
Get Involved!
- Explore the MAHC website to check out the 2018 edition and supporting materials.
- Suggest and vote on changesexternal icon to the MAHC with 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 conversationexternal icon with the MAHC Network, a community of MAHC users, subject matter experts, and those hoping to learn about the code (includes regular webinars).
- Take the Pool Inspection Training for Environmental Health Professionals to learn about aquatic facility systems and walk through a pool inspection using the MAHC inspection form.
Who Developed the MAHC?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention led a national collaborative effort with public health, the aquatics sector, and academic partners from across the United States to develop the MAHC. CDC input draws from expertise in the areas of environmental health, infectious disease, public health law, and injury prevention.
Environmental Health Services has been involved in this effort since the beginning, contributing subject-matter expertise to development of the MAHC, helping manage the MAHC’s technical and steering committees, and working with code-making organizations to align pool-related codes with key public health principles. In addition, Environmental Health Services helps develop tools to make it easier for environmental health professionals at local, state, tribal and territorial levels to use and customize the MAHC.
Federal and Partner Resources on Recreational Water
- EHS Recreational Water Publications
- Healthy Swimming/Recreational Water (CDC)
- Recommendations for Preventing Pool Chemical–Associated Injuries (CDC)
- Cryptosporidiosis Information for Public Health and Medical Professionals (CDC)
- Center for Watershed Protectionexternal icon
- Beachesexternal icon (Environmental Protection Agency)