Managing the quality of water in public swimming pools and similar recreational water environments

Abstract

New findings from a research study conducted by the Water Research Commission (WRC) highlight the presence and levels of chemical compounds of concern in swimming pool water, and the subsequent exposure of swimmers to these harmful compounds of concern swimming. There are a number of environmental health regulations that address swimming pool water quality, however, they are fragmented and do not adequately address risks associated with chemical compounds. Considering the fact that swimmers are not expected to be drinking large quantities of water during the activity, reference to SANS 241 (South African drinking water quality standard) as a measure for swimming water quality is inappropriate. Based on this study, the policy recommendation is to integrate the current regulations into a comprehensive risk-based recreational water quality guideline, taking into account all the risks in public swimming pools and similar recreational environments from source to use.

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