Multi-Barrier Approach: Setting a New Standard for Water Safety
Healthcare facilities today face increasing water safety risks. Aging infrastructure, frequent water main breaks, and elevated sediment levels are straining plumbing systems and creating ideal conditions for waterborne pathogens to thrive. Municipal treatment processes, while essential, often don’t address these downstream challenges once water enters a facility. The result is a growing concern for occupant safety, equipment reliability, and compliance. One healthcare facility confronted these realities head-on after dealing with Legionella positivity in its cold-water system, as well as recurring detection of Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Stenotrophomonas. Beyond microbial risks, high sediment loads from the municipal water supply were causing significant damage to plumbing infrastructure, increasing maintenance costs, and accelerating corrosion. Traditional remediation approaches were unable to deliver sustainable results. The Challenge The facility needed a comprehensive strategy that could both eliminate pathogens and reduce the environmental conditions that allowed them to flourish. The solution: A multi-barrier approach To address these challenges, LiquiTech implemented a multi-barrier water treatment solution designed to deliver layered protection: Together, these technologies worked in synergy to address the root causes of water quality problems and provide sustained protection. The results By addressing microbial challenges, sediment-related damage, and infrastructure reliability together, the facility established a new standard of care for water safety. The solution not only safeguarded patients and staff but also delivered measurable operational and financial benefits. Connect with an expert Fill out the form below to connect with a LiquiTech expert to explore how a multi-barrier water treatment approach can help protect your facility’s water, systems, and ROI.
Healthcare Solutions: How to Reduce Waterborne Pathogen Risk
In healthcare settings, it is crucial to take every precaution to ensure patient safety and well-being, including the quality of water used throughout the facility. Waterborne pathogens, commonly present in building water systems, can pose serious health risks, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems. This blog post will delve into common waterborne pathogens, their effects, and the preventive measures necessary to maintain safe water in healthcare environments. Understanding common waterborne pathogens and their impact Waterborne pathogens are microorganisms that thrive in water systems and can cause severe infections. Healthcare facilities, with their complex and extensive water systems, provide an ideal environment for these pathogens to proliferate. The presence of immunocompromised patients and the use of medical devices that rely on water further increase the risk of infections. Awareness and proactive management, including regular water testing, system maintenance, and the implementation of effective disinfection protocols, are essential to prevent outbreaks and protect patients and staff. Legionella Legionella bacteria can thrive in complex water systems, such as those found in hospitals. These bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Legionella is primarily transmitted by inhaling small water droplets containing the bacteria, which can occur through showers, cooling towers, and decorative fountains. Aspiration of contaminated drinking water can also lead to infection. Regular assessment and maintenance of water systems are crucial to preventing Legionella growth. This includes routine cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers and decorative fountains. Copper-silver ionization, a method that continuously disinfects potable water, has proven effective in controlling Legionella populations. Having a robust outbreak response plan is essential. This includes rapid identification of suspected Legionnaires’ disease cases, patient testing, and environmental sampling for Legionella. Quick action can help contain the spread and prevent further infections. Pseudomonas Pseudomonas, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thrive in moist environments. It can be found on medical equipment and in water sources, posing significant risks to patients, especially those with weakened immune systems. In healthcare settings, Pseudomonas can lead to various infections, including pneumonia. Effective water management, monitoring, rigorous cleaning, and disinfection protocols are vital to controlling Pseudomonas. Regularly disinfecting sinks, showers, and medical devices that come into contact with water can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Ensuring that all equipment is thoroughly sterilized is also crucial. Healthcare providers should be vigilant for symptoms of Pseudomonas infections, particularly in critically ill or post-surgery patients. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. Stenotrophomonas Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is a growing concern in hospitals due to its multidrug resistance. This organism often causes healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), affecting patients with compromised immune systems or those with indwelling devices like catheters and breathing tubes. S. maltophilia’s resistance to many common antibiotics makes infections challenging to treat. Understanding its resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment. Physicians must stay informed about the latest guidelines and treatment options. To limit the spread of S. maltophilia, implement effective water management strategies, perform strict environmental monitoring, and implement disinfection procedures. Hand hygiene and device sterilization play a significant role in preventing transmission. Regular audits and staff training can help maintain high hygiene standards. Acinetobacter Acinetobacter baumannii is notorious for its resilience against antibiotics. This highly antibiotic-resistant pathogen often affects patients in intensive care units (ICUs) or those with compromised immune systems, leading to severe infections. Rigorous infection control measures are necessary to combat Acinetobacter. This includes water management practices, regular handwashing, sterilizing equipment, and implementing isolation protocols for affected patients. Preventing outbreaks requires a coordinated effort from all healthcare staff. Proactive surveillance for Acinetobacter is critical. Regular screening and monitoring can help detect infections early. Judicious antibiotic use, guided by susceptibility testing, is also key to managing its spread and improving patient outcomes. Solutions for healthcare facilities Waterborne pathogens pose a significant threat to healthcare facilities, but with proper awareness, preventive measures, and a coordinated effort from all healthcare staff, their impact can be minimized. By understanding the risks and implementing effective strategies, like water management programs, regular maintenance of water systems, rigorous infection control protocols, and proactive surveillance, we can ensure safer water systems and improve patient and staff safety. Our solutions, including copper-silver ionization, are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including those discussed here. Implementation of these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of infection from water sources. Learn more about how healthcare facilities partner with LiquiTech or contact us today to explore our water treatment solutions designed to protect your patients and staff.
The Future of Plumbing: Smart Technologies for Better Water Management
The plumbing industry is undergoing a technological transformation. Aging infrastructure, evolving regulations, and increasing health risks necessitate a shift toward smarter, data-driven water management solutions. These innovations can improve water quality, optimize system performance, and enhance occupant safety. This blog explores how smart plumbing technologies are shaping the future of building water systems, offering practical insights for implementation. Challenges facing building plumbing systems Source water quality often declines as it travels through a building’s plumbing system, impacted by factors like sediment, biofilm, temperature fluctuations, and disinfectant loss. Disruptive events—such as water main breaks, construction, or hydrant flushing—can stir up sediment and biofilm, introducing these contaminants into the building. Once inside, the situation can worsen due to aging infrastructure, inconsistent temperatures, and water stagnation. Pressure put on building water systems: Addressing these challenges requires proactive solutions grounded in strong water management principles. Key principles of effective water management A comprehensive water management strategy builds resilience, reduces risks, and ensures regulatory compliance. The core principles include: Risk assessment Control measures Monitoring and documentation Interventions and corrective actions These principles create a foundation for incorporating advanced smart technologies into plumbing systems. The role of smart technologies in building water management Smart technologies bring automation, real-time data, and predictive analytics to water management, making systems safer, more efficient, and easier to manage. Key innovations include: Smart sensors Programmable flushing devices Advanced water treatment technologies The following technologies offer real-time water management, adjusting automatically based on water conditions and ensuring optimal system performance. Benefits of smart plumbing systems The advantages of implementing smart plumbing technologies go beyond regulatory compliance: Get started with smart plumbing technologies Adopting smart technologies requires strategic planning. Here’s how to begin: Embracing the future of plumbing The plumbing industry is evolving, and smart technologies are leading the way. These tools empower facility managers and engineers to proactively address water system challenges, ensuring safer, more efficient, and compliant operations. Now is the time to invest in the future of water management. By adopting smart technologies, you can enhance occupant safety, optimize operations, and create resilient systems. Ready to step into the future? Contact LiquiTech today to explore how our smart technologies can transform your building’s water management.
Report: Gaps in Water Management Programs and Increased Risks
A well-structured and implemented water management program (WMP) is crucial in controlling Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Recent research has identified common gaps in water system management that may increase the risk of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. By understanding these areas and applying proactive solutions, facility teams can strengthen their WMPs and better protect building occupants. Key findings from recent research A comprehensive study published in Microorganisms analyzed over 220 Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and found that nearly 90% of cases were linked to preventable issues within building water systems (Dooling et al., 2021). This study, along with a recent CDC report, highlights areas where water management programs can be improved to better control Legionella growth (CDC, 2024). The research found that many outbreaks stemmed from a combination of system design flaws, operational lapses, lack of systemic documentation, and insufficient oversight. Specifically, the following challenges were identified: Facilities like healthcare institutions, hotels, senior living communities, and large commercial buildings are particularly at risk due to the complexity of their water systems and the presence of vulnerable populations. By recognizing these common challenges, organizations can take meaningful steps to enhance their water safety efforts. Strengthening water management programs Effective water management programs require consistent oversight to ensure that all activities are carried out as defined in the plan. When any part of a water management plan is not fully implemented, it may leave building occupants vulnerable to potential health risks and expose building owners to legal and reputational consequences in the event of a disease case or outbreak. The CDC and ASHRAE Standard 188 provide guidance on best practices, and applying these recommendations consistently can help mitigate risks. Key strategies for strengthening WMPs include: Strengthen your water management program A well-maintained and properly executed water management program is one of the most effective ways to prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. By proactively addressing gaps in water safety protocols, facilities can better protect their occupants and maintain compliance with public health standards. Ensuring the safety of building water systems requires ongoing effort and expertise. Schedule a consultation with LiquiTech today to learn how our proven solutions can help your facility strengthen its water management program and reduce Legionella risk. Sources
“Spring is here—and so is Legionella risk,” warns expert
As the weather warms up, many healthcare facilities prepare for seasonal changes in staffing, patient volumes, and operations. But one area that often gets overlooked during this transition is your building water system—and spring can bring a perfect storm of conditions that elevate the risk of Legionella and sediment-related issues. “Spring is here—and so is Legionella risk,” says Dave Pierre, building water safety expert at LiquiTech. “Warmer temperatures, shifting water demand, and municipal activity like hydrant flushing create ideal conditions for both bacterial growth and sediment intrusion in building water systems.” Five spring risk factors impacting water safety Here are five reasons why spring poses increased water safety risks: Warmer weather raises cold water temps With rising outdoor temperatures, cold water lines—especially those in sun-exposed or poorly insulated areas—can warm into the ideal Legionella growth range (77–113°F). Even in well-designed systems, this shift can allow bacteria to multiply in areas not typically considered high-risk. UV disinfection on the incoming water supply can help kill bacteria before it enters your building, while systemic disinfection methods such as copper-silver ionization can prevent bacteria from growing and spreading in warm, low-flow areas within your plumbing. Together, these technologies offer a multi-barrier solution to address both external and internal risks. Seasonal water quality changes increase microbial activity Spring runoff and heavy rains can significantly impact source water quality by increasing turbidity, organic matter, and nutrient load in the municipal supply. These changes can strain municipal treatment processes and often result in lower chlorine residuals and increased microbiological activity in the water entering your facility. This weakens your first line of defense against waterborne pathogens like Legionella. UV disinfection helps reduce microbial load before it enters the building, while systemic disinfection technologies provide ongoing protection throughout your plumbing system. Municipal disruptions introduce sediment Spring is prime time for municipal hydrant flushing and water main repairs. These activities can stir up sediment and contaminants in the public water supply, which then make their way into your building. Sediment doesn’t just reduce disinfectant effectiveness—it can also feed bacterial growth, damage water-bearing equipment, and even lead to pipe leaks or system failures. Sediment filtration on the incoming water supply helps prevent sediment from entering the building, protecting plumbing infrastructure and supporting overall water quality. Changing demand patterns stress plumbing Spring often brings changes in how different parts of a facility use water. Higher demand from increased patient volumes, reopened services, or seasonal water systems (e.g., cooling towers, irrigation systems, and outdoor water features) can cause pressure fluctuations and temperature shifts that disturb biofilm and mobilize bacteria. On the flip side, lower or inconsistent usage in certain areas can lead to stagnation, loss of disinfectant residuals, and unchecked Legionella growth—especially in places like handwashing sinks or infrequently used showers. Smart sensors throughout the plumbing system can help monitor these changes in real time, identifying abnormal flow patterns, temperature inconsistencies, and other early warning signs of system imbalance—so you can take corrective action before issues escalate. Stagnant water in underused areas Units that saw minimal use during the winter—like seasonal wings, outpatient areas, or overflow rooms—may still have stagnant water sitting in the plumbing. Without proper flushing and maintenance, that water can harbor biofilm and Legionella, and turning those outlets back on can send contaminated water into patient areas. Point-of-use filters offer immediate protection at faucets and showers, while flushing protocols guided by your water management program can help clear stagnant water safely. What to do next Spring is the ideal time to review your water management plan and ensure it addresses seasonal risk factors like temperature fluctuations, sediment intrusion, and changing water use patterns. A targeted water system risk assessment can help identify vulnerabilities and confirm that your plan includes the right preventive measures—such as flushing procedures, filtration strategies, monitoring points, and disinfection methods—for this time of year. Making these updates now can help reduce the risk of Legionella growth, protect your patients, and prevent costly equipment damage tied to sediment and system imbalances. Need support evaluating your water management plan this spring? Our team of water safety experts is here to help, contact LiquiTech today.
Update to Ohio Rule 3701-16-12: Water Management Programs and Case Investigations Now Required for Residential Care Facilities
Effective July 12, 2024, Ohio introduced updates to Rule 3701-16-12 of the Ohio Administrative Code, which requires residential care facilities to have protocols for investigating cases of Legionnaires’ disease and implementing a water management program to control Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Water management program implementation Every residential care facility in Ohio must establish and implement an effective water management program to: Why this matters Waterborne pathogens, particularly Legionella, can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe type of pneumonia that spreads through contaminated water systems. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems—many of whom reside in assisted living facilities—are at higher risk of infection. Without proper water management, Legionella bacteria can grow in: An outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease can be deadly, cause legal liability for facilities, and damage trust with residents and their families. Legionnaires’ disease case investigation procedures Alongside prevention, facilities must be prepared to respond swiftly and effectively when a suspected or confirmed case of Legionnaires’ disease arises. The rule requires facilities to: These steps help contain the risk, prevent further infections, and strengthen the facility’s overall water safety strategy. How to comply with the requirements To comply with the water management program and case investigation requirements, residential care facilities should: A proactive approach to resident safety By requiring water management programs and case investigation procedures, Ohio’s updated Rule 3701-16-12 aims to reduce the risk of deadly waterborne infections in residential care facilities. Compliance with this rule is a critical safety measure that protects residents, staff, and visitors from illness. Ready to get started? Contact LiquiTech today to see how we can help your facility comply with Ohio Rule 3701-16-12 and protect your occupants.
From Source to Tap: Navigating Building Water Quality
Water traveling from municipal sources to a building’s taps undergoes a complex journey influenced by everything from the quality of the source water to the building’s internal distribution network. Even water that meets national safety standards can encounter challenges as it passes through aging pipes, is affected by shifting climates, and interacts with building infrastructure. Understanding these factors—and taking proactive steps to address them—is essential for ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable water. Understanding source water quality The foundation of safe drinking water in the U.S. is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), which mandates the EPA to set health-based standards for public water supplies. While compliance with SDWA ensures water is safe to consume, it doesn’t guarantee that water entering a building’s plumbing system is free of all contaminants or pathogens. Once water leaves the municipal water treatment plant and enters the distribution system, the quality of the water can change drastically before it reaches a building, leaving building water systems susceptible to issues like scale, corrosion, and even microbial growth. Growing challenges influencing source water quality Leveraging water quality reports Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) are annual water quality reports issued by municipalities to inform consumers about the safety and quality of their drinking water. By reviewing these reports, engineers and facility managers can anticipate challenges such as scaling, corrosion, or bacterial growth and adjust water treatment protocols accordingly. How source water quality impacts buildings Solutions for optimal water quality To mitigate risks and ensure high-quality water throughout building systems, you must adopt proactive and multi-faceted strategies. Here are some proven solutions: 1. Supplemental disinfection systems: Installing secondary disinfection systems can help control microbial growth beyond the municipal supply. Options like UV disinfection can target pathogens like Legionella without contributing to harmful DBPs or accelerating corrosion. 2. Flushing programs: Regular flushing of plumbing systems removes stagnant water, sediment, and biofilm. A well-designed flushing program includes low-use fixtures, distal outlets, and hot water recirculation loops to prevent microbial growth and ensure disinfectant efficacy. 3. Sediment filtration: Point-of-entry sediment filtration systems capture particulates and sediment before they enter the building’s plumbing, reducing strain on equipment, minimizing scale formation, and improving water clarity. 4. Water softeners: By reducing hardness, softeners prevent scaling and improve the efficiency of water-dependent systems. This is particularly critical in areas with high sediment or hard water. 5. Smart monitoring: Modern IoT-enabled sensors can provide real-time insights into water quality metrics such as temperature, pH, chlorine residuals, and microbial activity. Automated alerts enable facility teams to respond quickly to emerging issues. Standards, best practices, and emerging trends Standards and best practices Several modern guidelines provide a framework for water quality management: Emerging trends Making water quality a strategic priority Water quality is not just a technical challenge—it’s a strategic priority. Poor water quality can compromise building performance, increase operational costs, and endanger occupant health. By leveraging tools like CCRs, adhering to best practices, and investing in advanced water management solutions, you can ensure that your water systems deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable water. Partner with LiquiTech to lead the way in advanced water intelligence. Together, we can transform your building’s water systems. Contact us today to get started.
Advancing Sustainability and Operational Efficiency in Healthcare
Water systems are critical to healthcare operations, but they also present significant challenges that affect energy use, infrastructure, and equipment performance. Issues like sediment buildup, biofilm formation, and poor system balance can drive up costs, waste energy, and compromise long-term sustainability. By addressing these challenges proactively, hospitals can improve efficiency, reduce expenses, and extend the lifespan of essential systems and equipment. Reducing energy waste Healthcare facilities rank among the most energy-intensive building types, with roughly 42.3% of their energy usage tied to reheating processes. Inefficient water systems—whether due to sediment buildup, poor insulation, or imbalanced flow—force pumps, boilers, and reheaters to work overtime. This increased workload leads to higher operating costs and strains organizational efforts to meet sustainability targets. By focusing on improvements in water quality and system design, hospitals can reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and extend the life of vital equipment. Key strategies include: Implementing sustainable water treatment technologies Advanced technologies that reduce contaminants and pathogens in building water improve safety, extend the lifespan of plumbing systems, and reduce the frequency of repairs, which helps conserve resources and reduce waste. Leveraging smart monitoring technologies Real-time monitoring tools have revolutionized water management strategies in healthcare. Smart sensors and remote monitoring technologies allow facilities to proactively identify and address inefficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain optimal conditions for patient care. Protecting water infrastructure for long-term sustainability Protecting the longevity of plumbing systems and water-bearing equipment is an often overlooked aspect of water management that significantly impacts sustainability. By preventing damage caused by sediment, corrosion, and scale, businesses can reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, lowering waste and extending the lifespan of their infrastructure. Supporting broader sustainability initiatives Water management is essential for organizations aiming to meet their broader sustainability objectives. Enhancing the efficiency of water infrastructure, reducing energy consumption, and adopting environmentally friendly water treatment technologies align with environmental, social, and governance goals. By leveraging advanced technologies and real-time monitoring, businesses can optimize water use, cut energy costs, conserve resources, and reduce carbon footprints, driving meaningful progress toward a sustainable future. Ready to get started? Contact LiquiTech today for a water management analysis to see how you can take your sustainability efforts to the next level.
Smarter Water Management with LiquiTech™ Smart Sensors
Building water systems are complex, comprising networks of pipes, valves, and equipment that must function seamlessly to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance. This complexity often hides critical issues—from unbalanced systems and equipment inefficiencies to risks of bacterial growth and scald risks. With LiquiTech™ Smart Sensors, you can uncover these hidden issues and take control of your water management like never before. LiquiTech Smart Sensors combine advanced sensing technology, powerful analytics, and real-time monitoring to simplify the complexity of managing building water systems. By providing actionable insights and predictive capabilities, they empower you to enhance system performance, reduce risks, and lower costs. Continuous monitoring for real-time insights LiquiTech Smart Sensors provide 24/7 visibility into your water system’s performance by monitoring key parameters such as temperature and flow. This real-time data enables you to quickly detect anomalies, maintain system health, and ensure reliable operation. Data-driven decision making LiquiTech Smart Sensors connect to a secure cloud-based platform to deliver detailed analytics and reporting. This transforms raw data into actionable insights, helping you identify trends, address inefficiencies, and make informed decisions to improve your water system. Advanced risk detection Prevent issues before they occur. Our smart sensors detect conditions that may lead to bacterial growth, equipment failures, or energy inefficiencies. With early warning capabilities, you can address risks proactively, ensuring a safer environment for building occupants. Optimize energy and operational efficiency Reduce energy consumption and operational costs with LiquiTech Smart Sensors. They highlight inefficiencies such as unbalanced systems or inadequate insulation, allowing for targeted interventions that improve performance and lower expenses. Streamline compliance and reporting LiquiTech Smart Sensors automate routine temperature checks and provide comprehensive reports, simplifying compliance and reducing manual effort so you can focus on actionable insights that improve water safety. Seamless integration and installation Designed for convenience, LiquiTech Smart Sensors are non-invasive and easy to install. They attach externally to existing infrastructure without requiring disruptive plumbing modifications and integrate seamlessly with Building Management Systems (BMS). Unlock the potential of advanced water intelligence LiquiTech Smart Sensors empower you to transform how you manage your water system. By combining advanced technology, real-time data, and actionable insights, our solution delivers superior performance, improved safety, and cost savings. Experience smarter water management today. Contact LiquiTech to learn how our Smart Sensors can make your water system more intelligent.
AAMI ST108: Ensuring Water Quality in Medical Device Processing
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) introduced Standard ST108 in 2023 to replace the previous AAMI TIR34:2014/(R)2021 standard. AAMI ST108 includes guidelines on: Categories of water quality: Defines water quality requirements for each stage of sterile processing. Water quality monitoring: Sets criteria for assessing water quality, including turbidity, pH, microbial levels, conductivity, and other factors. Water treatment: Establishes protocols for maintenance, monitoring, and quality improvement in water treatment systems. AAMI ST108 is considered a best practice for patient safety and is likely to become a requirement of other standards, like The Joint Commission Water Management Standard EC.02.05.02. Categories of water quality AAMI ST108 standardizes water quality for medical device processing to prevent adverse outcomes associated with substandard water. It defines three primary water quality levels—utility, critical, and steam—each tailored to different stages of device sterilization and disinfection. Utility water or tap water is generally minimally processed and used for tasks like flushing and washing. Critical water requires higher purity levels for tasks like high-level disinfection and final rinsing. Steam is used in sterilization and must meet specific standards to ensure safety and efficacy. The standard includes extensive testing protocols to ensure water quality across these categories. Key testing criteria include turbidity, pH, microbial levels, conductivity, and various chemical parameters. Water quality monitoring To comply with ST108, facilities must routinely test utility, steam, and critical water to ensure consistent quality. Water testing should cover microbial and chemical parameters as well as general water quality metrics like turbidity, pH, and total organic carbon. Routine testing frequency is determined based on initial validations and risk assessments, with periodic testing following interruptions, repairs, water advisories, or in response to adverse outcomes (e.g., staining, discoloration, or deposits on medical equipment). Facilities should create sample locations representative of water contact points and monitor this over time to ensure ongoing compliance with ST108 standards. All water quality parameters, monitoring and verification protocols, and control measures should be incorporated into the facility’s existing water management plan. Water treatment In the ST108 sterilization process, water treatment is divided into three main stages: pretreatment, primary treatment, and storage/distribution/final treatment. Each stage is essential in preparing high-purity, sterile water for medical and sterilization equipment. Here’s a breakdown of how these stages are structured. Stage 1: Pretreatment The pretreatment stage prepares water for further purification. This step ensures that downstream equipment operates efficiently by removing larger particles, sediments, chlorine, and hardness, which could cause damage or interfere with subsequent treatments. Sediment filtration: Filters particles and sediment from the utility water that could harbor bacteria or clog and damage equipment. Carbon filtration: Dechlorinates water by removing chlorine and organic compounds. Water softening: Reduces hardness (calcium and magnesium) to prevent scaling and extend equipment life. Stage 2: Primary treatment The primary treatment stage refines water quality to meet strict purity and safety standards, making it suitable for medical sterilization applications. The goal of this stage is to achieve high levels of purity by removing dissolved ions, organic contaminants, and microorganisms. Reverse osmosis (RO): Uses a semipermeable membrane to filter out ions, organic matter, and some microorganisms, creating purified water. Deionization (DI): Uses ion-exchange resins to further purify the water by removing any remaining dissolved salts and ions. Stage 3: Storage, distribution, and final treatment This stage maintains water quality during storage and distribution and ensures the highest purity right before use. The purpose of this stage is to prevent microbial contamination and ensure that water remains sterile at the point of use. UV disinfection: Provides final microbial inactivation by using UV light to disrupt bacterial DNA. Point-of-use filtration: Use of micropore or ultrafine filters at the final outlet to prevent contaminants from entering the sterilization cycle. Incorporating ST108 into your water management program To incorporate ST108 into your water management plan, start by reviewing your current water treatment processes and identifying areas that need alignment with ST108’s requirements. Involve key personnel such as facility managers, infection preventionists, clinical engineering staff, medical device processing personnel, and water safety specialists who understand both operational needs and regulatory standards. These specialists will assess your existing setup, identify gaps, and update treatment protocols to ensure compliance. Collaborate with water treatment experts to implement technologies that meet ST108 criteria at each stage of water handling, from pretreatment to storage and distribution. For example, they may recommend sediment filtration, softening, or UV disinfection systems tailored to your facility’s usage patterns and contaminant profile. Additionally, integrate regular testing and monitoring into your water management plan to ensure ongoing compliance and make adjustments to processes as needed. Partnering with LiquiTech to comply with ST108 LiquiTech simplifies ST108 compliance with targeted solutions that streamline water quality monitoring and control. Water quality testing facilitation Coordination services to streamline ST108 testing compliance. Automatic shipment of sampling bottles and coordination with third-party labs. Water management program integration Support in incorporating ST108 guidelines into your water management plan. LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration (pretreatment) Removes particulates from utility water to meet ST108 standards, making it suitable for critical applications. Protects reverse osmosis (RO) and deionization (DI) systems by reducing fouling and scaling, which extends equipment lifespan and lowers maintenance costs. Minimizes biofilm formation to reduce microbial risks. Ready to get started? Contact LiquiTech today to see how we can help your facility comply with AAMI ST108.
