The use of pools and spas represents a recreational use of the water environment that is increasingly relevant. The operation of such an environment involves new technical approaches, new attractions, new materials and new chemicals to treat the water, all currently not subject to any form of unified regulation.

The Conference, attended by approximately 100 participants, aimed at filling this gap by laying down the basis for the development of evidence-based guidelines that can be the reference for new and improved regulations. Issues addressed include:

(a) standards, guidelines and regulations;
(b) water treatment and distribution; 
(c) microbiological risks, in particular legionella; 
(d) chemical risks in water and air;
(e) monitoring and assessment; and
(f) "natural" pools. 

Conclusions and recommendations

Conference participants formulated recommendations for the streamlining of activities related to health aspects of the man-made recreational water environment, namely:

1. numerous issues related to the design, operation and management of the man-made recreational water environment remain to be addressed to safeguard public health. For example, the assessment of microbiological and chemical risks in water and air, the monitoring and assessment of recreational water environment, water treatment and disinfection processes, and
new environments such as private pools and natural pools.

2. call for establishment of a network of stakeholders in a healthy recreational water environment to take full advantage of enhanced international cooperation.

3. request the Chair of the Working Group on Water and Health to:

• bring the proposed activities to the attention of the next meeting of the Working Group on Water and Health (December 2005), in view of  the commitment taken by the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to prevent, control and reduce water-related diseases in "enclosed waters generally available for bathing and other recreational purposes"; and
• seek the assistance of WHO in addressing their concerns as identified during the conference, and exploring the possibilities to further support the activities of the network, in view of the work currently being undertaken by the WHO in the development of guidelines for recreational water quality

A proposal for inclusion in the Protocol workplan was submitted to the 5th session of the Working Group on Water and Health (December 2005).

The Conference was organized by the Hungarian National Institute for Environmental Health, with the support of the Hungarian Government and of WHO.

Proceedings 

Conference proceedings are available in a CD-Rom that can be requested to the head of the organizing committee:

Dr. Mihály Kádár (kadarm@okk.antsz.hu)
National Institute of Environmental Health
Gyali u. 2 - 6
Budapest, Hungary 1097
Tel. +361 476 1173
Fax +361 215 0148