Semi Public Pool Program

In accordance with 105 CMR 435.000, State Sanitary Code, Chapter V, all public, semi-public, and special purpose pools must be inspected by the local Board of Health on an annual basis. The Tri Town Health Department inspects, samples, permits, and ensures compliance with all facilities within the Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge communities.

According to the Center for Diseases Control, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health as well as other local communities reporting waterborne illnesses in recreational swimming waters, the number of recreational waterborne illness (RWI) outbreaks is consistently increasing.

RWIs are illnesses that are spread by swallowing, breathing, or having contact with germs in the water of swimming pools, spas, lakes, rivers, or oceans.

The leading cause of RWI outbreaks is Cryptosporidium or Crypto, a chlorine-resistant parasite, primarily associated with treated swimming places, such as pools and water parks. [1]

According to the Bureau of Environmental Health Annual Report published in 2008[4], education, regulation and standards, and surveillance of water quality reduces the potential for recreational water borne illnesses.

Thank you for your cooperation on this matter and should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.