THE CNMI, through the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation is taking a major step forward in public health by launching its first-ever Aquatic Health Code. This new initiative, led by the CNMI CHCC Environmental Health Disease Prevention Program in partnership with the National Environmental Health Association, aims to ensure the safety of pools, spas, splash pads, and other aquatic venues across the islands.
Aquatic recreation is central to life and tourism in CNMI — but until now, the territory lacked formal standards to guide safe design, operation, and inspection of aquatic facilities such as swimming pools and spas. Without these regulations, local health officials and pool operators had limited tools to prevent illnesses, address contamination events, or respond to community concerns.
To change that, NEHA is helping the CNMI create a locally tailored regulatory framework based on the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code. Over a 10-month timeline, NEHA is supporting the full build- out of this new system — from drafting the code itself to developing inspection forms, operator checklists, training materials, and public outreach tools. Together, these resources will form the foundation of a sustainable aquatic health program that protects residents, children, and tourists alike.
The project began with a two-day in-person Stakeholder Workshop in Saipan in February 2025. More than 30 community representatives from health, emergency services, tourism, construction, and hospitality came together to define regulatory priorities and tailor the MAHC to local needs. Discussions focused on real-world concerns such as facility oversight, inspection frequency, water quality standards, and how to ensure buy-in from operators and the public.
This collaborative approach ensures that the code reflects both best practices and island realities. A second in-person training held in June 2025 provided hands-on instruction for CHCC’s Public Health EHDP staff, pool operators, and other partners, that included mock inspections and plan review practice.
Once implemented, the code will support cleaner, safer aquatic facilities and establish a new level of accountability and confidence. As one health official put it, “We now have the framework and the tools to do this right — and to keep our community safe.”
For more information about the CHCC Environmental Health and Disease Prevention unit, call (670) 236-2022/27/28 or email the director of EHDP, John Tagabuel, at john.tagabuel@chcc.health/.
The CNMI’s Aquatic Health Code project began with a two-day in-person Stakeholder Workshop in Saipan in February 2025.
CHCC photos
