Case Study: Copper-Silver Ionization Resolves High Bacteria Levels
In 2016 while preparing to open a new patient tower, a California hospital found bacteria levels exceeding state and federal EPA limits in the building water system. To address this issue, they deployed multiple rounds of hyperchlorination, which is the process of adding an excessive amount of chlorine to the building water system in an attempt to kill bacteria. After three unsuccessful rounds of hyperchlorination, the hospital sought the expertise of LiquiTech. LiquiTech worked with the hospital to implement a solution that included the installation of a LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System and a LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System, hot water system improvements, and ongoing LiquiTech services, including proactive maintenance, monitoring, and water quality testing. After two months, the hospital’s water system test results showed bacteria levels within state and federal EPA limits, allowing the new patient tower to open. By implementing these solutions, the hospital is able to provide a safe and healthy environment for their patients, staff, and visitors. To learn more, read the full case study here.
Water Management Design Considerations for Engineers
Water management plays a pivotal role in maintaining the safety and efficiency of our buildings. As engineers and plumbing professionals, understanding the intricacies of water management best practices can guide our designs and ensure they meet industry standards. Understanding water management programs Water management programs are designed to identify and control risks in water systems that can lead to the growth of waterborne pathogens such as Legionella. High-risk conditions like water stagnation, elevated cold-water temperatures, and sediment accumulation are often the focus of these programs. Water management programs are now an industry standard for many buildings in the United States and are necessary to meet ASHRAE Standards 188 and 514, The Joint Commission, and other regulatory agencies. Developing a water management program Water management programs are site-specific and tailored to each building’s unique risks, needs, and water quality goals, and should be developed by an ASSE 12080-Certified Legionella Water Safety Specialist. The steps to developing a water management program include: Water management design considerations for engineers When designing a building water system, there are several ways that plumbing engineers and designers can incorporate water management. Here are the seven key elements of a water management program and examples of what plumbing engineers should consider for each one. Understanding and implementing these considerations in your designs ensures optimal water management and compliance with industry standards, contributing to safer buildings. Download: Water Management Guide for Plumbing Engineers Fill out the form below to download our Water Management Guide for Plumbing Engineers that includes:
Case Study: Sediment Filtration on Cold Water System Reduces Legionella Risk
After a Northeast university achieved non-detect Legionella levels in their building’s hot water system with a LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System, they faced a new obstacle when Legionella was detected in the cold water system due to water stagnation caused by the building’s mixed-use and fluctuating occupancy. Partnering with LiquiTech, the university implemented an innovative solution to install a LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System on the cold water supply. By preventing sediment from entering the building, the cold water system quickly returned to non-detect Legionella levels. The combined power of copper-silver ionization for the hot water system, sediment filtration for the cold water system, and an ongoing service partnership with LiquiTech has helped the university maintain non-detect Legionella levels and provide clean, safe water to occupants. The results: With a multi-faceted approach, this university successfully controlled Legionella and proactively reduced the risk of future outbreaks. Learn more about their journey in the full case study here.
