New Jersey Legionella Update 6/28/24
New Jersey passes domestic water safety legislation (Senate Bill 2188) focused on prevention and control of Legionnaires’ disease in building water systems. The bill passed both houses on 6/28/24 and is awaiting signature by the Governor.
Most NJ buildings will be affected by the new legislation, which focuses on protecting those most at risk of contracting the disease based on existing risk factors. All medical and health care facilities are included as well as buildings with certain water features that enhance the risk of transmission due to aerosolization of a water source, such as spas, cooling towers, or decorative fountains.
In addition, hotels, motels, and subsidized housing with senior populations and having centralized water heating systems serving multiple units will be required to comply with the legislation.
Compliance requires having a Water Safety /Management Plan that addresses the risk of a particular system or device that is known to be susceptible to harboring legionella bacteria and becoming a source of transmission.
Maintenance protocols and periodic water sampling and testing for bacteria are to be a component of a site’s plan.
AWTC is perfectly positioned to assist all New Jersey building types in the preparation of required Legionella prevention plans and the ongoing maintenance and testing protocols that will need to be documented.
Risk Management Plans
AWTC continues to develop and implement Building Water Safety Plans for our clients. The Plans are based on risk assessment processes as outlined in ASHRAE 188 and other industry and government agency guidelines. AWTC has also achieved certification in the are of Plan development via the ASSE 12080 Legionella Standard sponsored by the ASSE.
Building Water Safety planning should include domestic water systems, decorative fountains and cooling towers as well as any other water systems on the premises known to be susceptible to Legionella growth.
AWTC can assist by providing ongoing support as your facility implements procedures and creates a new documentation and recordkeeping paradigm:
1) Develop and support an ongoing Water Safety Management Plan based on ASHRAE 188 Guidelines
- Review riser and piping diagrams
- Risk Assessment including identifying low flow or stagnant areas and
- Advise on flushing and maintenance protocols
- Identify representative water sample points
- Issue a detailed report for validation of conditions
2) Implement AWTC’s ASSURE mobile platform for Water Management
Contact us for further information
Steve Beckenstein – President
50 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 207
Jericho, NY 11753
(O) 516.342.1964 Ext. 102
(M) 917.376.4185