The Pool and Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub and spa industry, awarded Central Valley Health District in Jamestown, N.D as the recipient of the 2024 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. Central Valley Health District was honored during an awards ceremony at the 2025 World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) in Atlantic City, N.J, at the end of January.
Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a longtime member of PHTA and the PHTA Recreational Water and Air Quality Committee (RWAQC), this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department that has made outstanding contributions to advance the public’s health and safe use of recreational water in pools, spas and waterparks through educational, safety, operational and technical programs.
According to the PHTA, since 1993, Central Valley Health District (CVHD) has been at the forefront of ensuring the safety and well-being of aquatic facility patrons, including those using swimming pools, hot tubs and interactive water features. Through its efforts, CVHD has updated and expanded its regulations to address evolving challenges and the latest scientific advancements in aquatic health and safety.
Central Valley Health District has demonstrated a commitment to public safety by conducting regular inspections of licensed aquatic facilities over the past two years, providing guidance on how to implement new requirements and educating facility staff on the latest aquatic health and safety concerns. Through these efforts, Central Valley Health District has helped to promote a safer recreational environment for thousands of residents in the region, according to the PHTA.
With the $5,000 grant, Central Valley Health District aims to develop outreach for licensed facilities, including a newsletter with guidance on regulatory compliance and safety, education on how to ensure a safe and healthful aquatic experience and promotions for general aquatic safety on topics such as drowning prevention, safety equipment and maintaining the health of aquatic facilities.
“The PHTA RWAQC feels that the Central Valley Health District has done a tremendous job in examining its codes and regulations, updating them to not only include recent scientific advancements, but also to include non-traditional recreational water activities,” says John Weber, vice chair of the PHTA RWAQC. “Their outreach and education to their community has been and will continue to be important in maintaining the health of the public while promoting the overall health benefits of swimming. We are happy to award the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant to such an important advocate for their community.”
