The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), the trade association representing the swimming pool, hot tub, and spa industry, is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2024 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant: Central Valley Health District in Jamestown, N.D. Central Valley Health District was honored during an awards ceremony at the 2025 World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC) in Atlantic City, N.J., on January 28, 2025.
Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a longtime member of PHTA and the Recreational Water & Air Quality Committee, this $5,000 grant honors a public health official or department who 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.
Since 1993, Central Valley Health District 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 innovative efforts, CVHD has demonstrated remarkable foresight, updating and expanding its regulations to address evolving challenges and the latest scientific advancements in aquatic health and safety.
Central Valley Health District has demonstrated its commitment to public safety by conducting regular inspections of licensed aquatic facilities over the past two years, providing valuable 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.
With the $5,000 grant, Central Valley Health District will develop outreach for licensed facilities, including a newsletter with guidance on regulatory compliance and safety; educate patrons on how to ensure a safe and healthful aquatic experience; and promote 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.”
Past winners of the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant include: Craven County Environmental Health, 2023; Fishers Health Department, 2022; City of North Richland Hills, 2021; Pueblo Department of Public Health and Environment, 2019; Arizona Department of Health Services, 2018; Quechan Parks & Recreation, 2017; Riverside County California Department of Health, 2016; Columbus Public Health, 2015; Middlesex-London Health Unit of London, Ontario, 2014; Brevard County Environmental Health Services Department, 2013; Sacramento County Environmental Management Department, 2012; Alexandria Health Department, 2011; City of Houston, 2010; and City of Plano, 2009.
For more information about the Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant, visit phta.org/lowry-grant.
