On September 12, 2024, New Jersey passed Bill S2188, aimed at reducing the risk of Legionnaires’ disease. This law requires hospitals, nursing homes, high-rise residential buildings, senior housing, hotels, and other commercial and industrial spaces to establish water management programs to minimize the growth and spread of Legionella bacteria in building water systems.
The bill also outlines specific requirements for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Department of Health (DOH), and owners and operators of certain public community water systems. This article only covers the sections of the bill related to buildings.
Which buildings are affected by NJ Bill S2188?
Facilities covered by this legislation include:
- Hospitals and specialty care facilities that offer in-patient services.
- Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and residential care facilities.
- Buildings with water features like whirlpools, spas, pools, cooling towers, fountains, misters, or other devices that release water aerosols.
- Correctional facilities with centralized hot water systems.
- High-rise residential buildings (six or more floors) with shared water-heating systems.
- Senior and subsidized housing with shared water-heating systems.
- Hotels and motels with centralized water-heating systems for 25+ units.
- Buildings linked to previous Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks.
NJ Bill S2188 compliance requirements
To meet the standards set by NJ Bill S2188, building owners and operators must take the following actions:
- Follow ASHRAE Standard 188: Water management programs must align with the ASHRAE Standard 188-2018 guidelines or an equivalent nationally recognized standard.
- Public notice: Buildings must post a notice indicating that a water management program is in place.
- Record-keeping: Owners must maintain records of all water management procedures for at least five years and make them available to authorities upon request.
- Verification for new buildings: Newly constructed or repurposed buildings must verify their water management programs before opening to the public.
Penalties for non-compliance
Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines:
- First violation: Fines up to $2,000.
- Subsequent violations: Fines up to $5,000.
- In cases of serious injury or death: Fines may reach up to $10,000.
Partnering with LiquiTech to comply with NJ Bill S2188
NJ Bill S2188 requires strict water management to prevent Legionnaires’ disease. LiquiTech is here to help you meet these new standards. Our team specializes in water management and Legionella prevention, ensuring your building’s water systems are safe and fully compliant with the law. From creating your water management plan to providing ongoing support, we’re here to help you maintain a safe and healthy environment.
Ready to get started? Contact LiquiTech today to see how we can help your facility comply with NJ Bill S2188 and protect your building’s occupants.
