Register a Public Aquatic Facility

Aquatic facilities are important for maintaining and promoting active lifestyles and providing health benefits. However, if aquatic facilities are not properly managed, the health of bathers may be put at risk through the transmission of disease-causing microorganisms.

An aquatic facility operator must manage the risks to human health arising from pathogenic micro-organisms in the water in accordance with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 and the Department of Health Water Quality Guidelines.

Category 1 aquatic facilities are required to be registered with the local council. 

Category 2 aquatic facilities are advised to notify the local council and provide a copy of their water quality risk management plan. This information can be sent to food@mornpen.vic.gov.au.

Category 1 and Category 2 public aquatic facilities must have a water quality risk management plan. The Department of Health provides guidance and a template to assist with developing a water quality risk management plan.

Register a Public Aquatic Facility

Complete the registration form

Complete and submit the online application form.

Apply online

What happens next?

Once you have completed and lodged the form, an officer will contact you regarding the next steps in registering your aquatic facility. This may include a site inspection or a request for further information. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Registration for a period of 12 months.

Aquatic facility categories are defined in the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 and guidance is available on the Department of Health website. 

Category 1 aquatic facility

means a swimming pool, spa pool or interactive water feature that—

        (a)     is used by members of the public, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee; or

        (b)     is used in association with a class or program that is offered free of charge or on payment of a fee; or

        (c)     is located at the premises of an early childhood service, school or other educational institution; or

        (d)     is located at premises at which residential aged care services are provided; or

        (e)     is located at any of the following premises—

              (i)     a public hospital;

              (ii)     a multi purpose service;

              (iii)     a denominational hospital;

              (iv)     a private hospital;

              (v)     a privately-operated hospital within the meaning of section 3(1) of the Health Services Act 1988 ;

Category 2 aquatic facility

means a swimming pool or spa pool that is used by members of the public and located at the premises of the following—

        (a)     a residential apartment complex;

        (b)     a hotel, motel or hostel;

 

Category 1 and Category 2 aquatic facilities must comply with the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019 and the Water Quality Guidelines. 

The Water Quality Risk Management Plan must include the below: 

– staff roles and responsibilities, competencies and training requirements,

– a description of the facility, its source water, and its treatment systems,

– water quality targets and treatment objectives,

– hazard identification, risk assessment and control measures,

– operational and verification monitoring,

– incident management and response procedures, and

– data recording and reporting.

Guidance and a template are available on the Department of Health website.

What is the registration fee?

The current registration fee is $435.

I need more information

For more information you can check the Department of Health website.

You can also phone our Environmental Health Team on 5950 1373 or contact the team online.

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