Recreational Water

NPS designated recreational water sites are operated, maintained and monitored to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. This must be accomplished by maintaining compliance with 1) the Clean Water Act (as amended by the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health Act (BEACH Act)) sections 303(i), 304(a), 406, and 502(21), or 2) the Primary Agency (e.g. the agency designated by federal law as having oversight responsibility) requirements. NPS and concessioner run swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are constructed, operated, maintained, monitored, and deficiencies promptly corrected in accordance with applicable state or local regulations to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. In the absence of applicable state or local regulations, the water sites must be maintained and operated as described in Reference Manual 83A Chapter 4. The Model Aquatic Health Code provides visitors access to the model that is followed within the national parks. Healthy Swimming information and guidance can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Last updated: May 8, 2023