PHTA Now Accepting Nominations for $5,000 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2022

Media Contact:
Amy Willer
Associate Director, Marketing and Communications
703-838-0083, ext. 121 | awiller@phta.org

PHTA Now Accepting Nominations for $5,000 Dr. R. Neil Lowry Grant
 Annual grant recognizes those who advance recreational water safety

(Alexandria, Va.) — The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA) 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, TX, 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, visit https://www.phta.org/membership/promote-your-business/phta-awards-of-excellence/dr-r-neil-lowry-grant/.

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About the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), a non-profit organization with more than 3,600 members from around the world, was established in 1956 to support, promote, and protect the common interests of the $36.5B pool, hot tub and spa industry. PHTA provides education, advocacy, standards development, research, and market growth to increase our members’ professionalism, knowledge and profitability. Additionally, PHTA facilitates the expansion of swimming, water safety and related research and outreach activities aimed at introducing more people to swimming, making swimming environments safer and keeping pools open to serve communities. For more information, visit www.phta.org. 

About PHTA’s Recreational Water Quality Committee (RWQC)
The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance’s RWQC develops and maintains verifiable science-based information regarding sanitization technology and chemical products, for use in pools, spas and hot tubs. The committee also helps develop the chemical and sanitation sections for American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved PHTA standards, including the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas. For a current listing of Committee members or more information, email Genevieve Lynn, Director of Standards and Technical Services, at standards@phta.org.