Illnesses in Arizona tied to water and ice on golf course. (Government Watch).

Eighty-two people became sick and a 15-year old boy died after a July golf tournament in Phoenix, AZ. They are believed to have contracted nothing more exotic than a common stomach virus, Maricopa County, AZ, health officials said. The people who got sick contracted a Norwalk-type virus. Officials believe the virus was spread through contaminated water and ice in the golf course's coolers.

An investigation spurred by the illnesses and the death of the boy uncovered a new, widespread health threat: 65 percent of golf courses in the county inspected by health officials had the same inadequate water-handling practices that led to the outbreak. The guidelines for safe water-handling procedures include disinfecting water containers every day; filling containers and coolers away from contaminants such as dust and insects; and making sure that water and ice come from municipal water systems or a health department-approved filtration system.

Please visit www.cmaa.org/legislat/reports/oct021.htm for a set of guidelines and the requirements for Maricopa County, or contact Henry Wallmeyer, director, Industry Affairs at [e-mail] or at [phone].