Water quality monitoring to keep pools free from disease-causing organisms and bacteria.
Swimming and water-based recreation are a popular way to have fun, stay active and keep cool in Greater Bendigo. Maintaining water quality at aquatic facilities is very important to minimise the risk of transmitting infections and to keep our community safe. Water quality in public aquatic facilities relies heavily on two protective measures.
- Maintenance of chemical additives that work to minimise pathogenic microbes in the water.
- Healthy swimming practices by bathers such as pre-swim showering, avoiding swimming when ill or after recent illness, and helping young children avoid faecal accidents with close monitoring and support.
Other requirements
Operators of Category 1 and 2 aquatic facilities have an obligation to:
- Maintain aquatic facility water quality to reduce the risk of transmitting infectious diseases
- Ensure all staff operating the facility are adequately trained to keep water quality safe
- Develop and implement a water quality risk management plan
- Test water quality regularly when the facility is open for use
- Periodically test for disease causing microbes present in the water
- Keep record of test results and corrective actions taken on water quality
- You may receive periodic visits from a Council Health Officer to discuss the operation of your pool and how you are protecting the community from infectious diseases
There are no minimum training requirements for operators of aquatic facilities, but it is important to understand how water quality is impaired, how to maintain water quality and how to correct water quality issues. Various certificates and short courses are available for aquatic facility water quality management. On the job training and staff experience can all contribute toward your team having the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain a safe water environment.
Category 2 aquatic facilities may find more information on water quality management by speaking to their local pool supply shop or pool service agent.
It is worth your time to reflect on what level of skills and knowledge are required to keep your aquatic facility safe.
Contact
Our Environmental Health staff are often out of the office, working within the community. If you would like a face-to-face meeting to discuss any Environmental Health matters, we invite you to contact us in advance to arrange a suitable time.