HomeMy Public PortalAboutSwimming Pool RegulationsTOWN OF WATERTOWN
Massachusetts
BOARD OF HEALTH
Marvin L. Mitchell, M.D., Chairman
Barbara D. Beck, Ph.D., Clerk
Mary E. Colpoys, M.D. Member
Steven J. Ward, M.P.H., C.H.O.
Director of Public Health
REGULATIONS AFFECTING SWIMMING POOL STANDARDS
Statement of Purpose:
The Town of Watertown Health Department seeks to ensure a safe and sanitary
environment for public and semi-public swimming pools.
Section I — Authority
In the interest of protecting and preserving public health the Watertown Board of Health,
under the authority of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 111, Section 31, has adopted
"Regulation Affecting Swimming Pool Standards." This regulation shall complement the
regulations found at 105 CMR 435.00 et seq., and any tetius not defined herein shall have
the meaning assigned to them pursuant to 105 CMR 435.00 et seq. This regulation was
adopted at the Board of Health's scheduled meeting March 30, 2000.
Section II — Definitions
The Department: means the Watertown Health Department
Replacement Water: means water intended for use as swimming pool water which will
be added to the pool directly in order to regain or maintain an appropriate water level.
Flow Meter: means a device which measures the pressure differential at a small opening
in the effluent pipe, and indicates the rate of flow in GPM at that point.
Bacteriological Integrity: means that water sampled meets minimum standards for
bacterial quality as outlined in 105 CMR 435.28, unless stricter regulations apply.
EPA: means Environmental Protection Agency.
Administration Building Watertown, Massachusetts 02472-4410 Tel (617) 972-6446 Fax (617) 972-6499
Section III — Bacterial Quality
The pool operator/owner shall submit pool water samples of swimming, wading or
special purpose pool water as outlined in 105 CMR 435.28 for bacterial analysis. An EPA
approved laboratory must collect all water samples, and a chain of custody record must
accompany results. The Department must receive written notice of an acceptable
bacteriological result, from an EPA certified laboratory, prior to the issuance of a permit
to operate.
Section IV — Replacement Water
The Department mandates that "Drinking Water Regulations", 310 CMR 22.00 be
applied to all non -municipal sources of water intended for use as replacement water in
swimming pools. Replacement water must be analyzed by an EPA approved laboratory
before it is added to any special purpose, wading and/or swimming pool.
Written laboratory test results that comply with the provisions of 310 CMR 22.00 and
105 CMR 435.28 must be submitted to the Department before replacement water is added
to any pool.
Section V — Flow Meters
All pool circulation/filtration systems must include an operable flow meter appropriately
installed in the effluent filtration system (pipe) which is sufficient in size to accurately
measure the actual and maximal GPM flow rate from the existing filter.
Section VI— Emergency Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
In the event of an emergency (i.e. discharge of blood, feces or vomit in the pool water),
the operator/owner shall immediately close the swimming, wading and/or special purpose
pool, and effectively treat the pool water to destroy pathogenic microorganisms.
Operator/owners shall notify the Department via telephone within 24 hours of said event.
Following an emergency event (i.e. blood, feces, or vomit) the operator/owner shall
ensure that the water, once effectively treated, has acceptable bacteriological integrity,
via an approved laboratory. The laboratory performing the testing must collect samples,
and a chain of custody record must accompany the test results. Bacteriological results
must comply with the provisions of 105 CMR 435.28. These test results must be
forwarded to the Department and demonstrate compliance with the standards as provided
in 105 CMR 435.28 prior to the reopening of the swimming, wading, and/or special
purpose pool. The pool may not be reopened until such compliance is demonstrated to the
Department as specified herein.
Section Vff — Pool Seminar
An annual pool seminar will be offered for all licensed swimming pool operators and/or
owners. This seminar will be held in April of each year, in the Watertown Administration
Building at 149 Main Street, Watertown. Operators/owners who have documented
serious and/or repeated violations of 105 CMR 435.000 may be mandated to attend an
educational pool seminar provided by the Health Department. The fee for the mandatory
seminar is $100.00.
Section IX — Other Provisions
A. Enforcement: Whoever violates any provision of this regulation may be penalized
under the provision of M.G.L. Chapter 40, section 21D.
Each day on which any violation exists shall be deemed to be a separate offense.
Penalty: $25.00 first offense
$50.00 second offense
$100.00 third offense
Additionally, the Department may file a criminal and/or civil complaint in a court of
competent jurisdiction, as provided by the laws of the Commonwealth.
B. Severability: If any paragraph or provision of this regulation is declared invalid or
unenforceable, the other provisions shall not be affected thereby but shall continue in
full force and effect.