The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is now accepting nominations for the 2022 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant. Nominations are due by Friday, August 12.
Given in the memory of Dr. Robert Neil Lowry, a long-time member of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and the Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC), 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.
Dr. Lowry was a well-known educator and consultant to the pool and spa industry in the United States and Canada. He had a global impact while serving on the RWQC, was a member of the Hot Tub Council of Canada, established Lowry & Associates in 1985, and was the original author of Pool & Spa Chemistry: A Testing & Treatment Guide. As chief educator and owner of the Lowry School of Pool & Spa Chemistry, he certified thousands of pool water technicians. His passion for health and safety will always be remembered by those who knew him.
To be considered for the Lowry Grant, the public health official or department must describe their planned or proposed program, the service provided and how it benefits public health and safety, the impact of the expected results, and how the grant funds will be used.
For the first time, the winner will be honored at the World Aquatic Health Conference (WAHC), presented by PHTA, taking place in Houston, Texas, on October 12-14, 2022.
“The core purpose of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is to promote safe and healthy pool and hot tub environments for people to share enjoyable aquatic experiences,” says Genevieve Lynn, PHTA director of standards and technical services. “The Lowry Grant shines a much-needed spotlight on the individuals and organizations who are committed to recreational water safety. Without their hard work and dedication, the pools and waterparks they serve would not be the same. The positive impact this grant has had on communities around the country honors the memory of Dr. Lowry.”
Past winners of the Lowry Grant include: 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 Lowry Grant and to submit a nomination form, click here.
