Lakes and Slides – Environmental Health Services

How often does my facility receive inspections from San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services?

San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services conducts two inspections per swim season at each facility.

When operating a lake, should I be concerned about water clarity?

Yes. A minimum visibility of 4½ feet must be maintained throughout the designated swim area whenever it is open. The bathing area must be closed if clarity is so impaired that a 6-inch black disc on a white background is not clearly visible at a depth of 2 feet.

What should the pH measure at a lake?

The pH of the lake should be between 6.8 and 8.4.

Do rivers require a Natural Bathing Place permit or fecal coliform sampling?

No. Rivers are not under the jurisdiction of San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services.

How long do I need to sample for fecal coliforms at the lake I operate?

Sampling must begin at the start of the swim season and continue weekly until the last week of the swim season.

What fecal coliform count from a lake sample will cause the lake to close?

A lake will be closed if a fecal coliform sample measures 1,000 MPN/100 mL. A lake will also be closed if two consecutive samples measure 200 MPN/100 mL.

Is there a limit to the fecal coliform count for a lake sample?

Yes. Any fecal coliform sample with a measurement of 200 MPN/100 mL or greater will result in a Notice of Violation (NOV) from San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services.

I am the operator of a lake. Do I need to submit weekly coliform samples when the lake is open for the season?

Yes. When the lake is open for the season, you are required to submit weekly fecal coliform samples to San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services.

All samples may be submitted to lakesandslides@dph.sbcounty.gov

For a pool with a slide that enters the main pool area, are there any safety precautions that should be taken?

Yes. The splash area must be clearly designated and separated from the general swimming area using safety ropes and buoys.

I am the operator of a pool with a slide. Do I need to submit an engineering report annually?

Yes. If the slide is hydro-powered, you are required to submit an engineering report annually by a registered civil engineer to San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services.

The report may be submitted to lakesandslides@dph.sbcounty.gov

If you have questions about the type of slide at your facility, please contact us using the email address above.

What water park attractions require permits with San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services (EHS)?

All hydro-powered slides, water flumes, ropes, cargo nets, and swings require a permit with San Bernardino County EHS.