New Study Reveals the Role of Water Systems in Mycobacteria Contamination of Medical Devices
According to a recent breakthrough study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports, researchers have successfully isolated Mycobacterium saskatchewanense from medical devices for the first time. The study identified the healthcare facility’s water system as the likely source of contamination. Mycobacterium saskatchewanense is a non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) commonly found in soil and water environments. While not as […]
ASHRAE 514: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Efficient Building Water Systems
ASHRAE 514, released in 2023, is an ANSI Standard that establishes a comprehensive framework for ensuring the safety and management of building water systems – excluding single-family residential structures. ASHRAE 514 applies to a wide range of stakeholders, including building owners, facility managers, engineers, and water treatment professionals and requires risk management through the design, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Infection Prevention through Clean Water: How Healthcare Facilities Can Mitigate Healthcare-Associated Infections from Water
Healthcare-associated infections or HAIs are infections people get while they are receiving health care for another condition. These infections can happen in all types of healthcare settings and are a significant cause of patient illness and death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 31 patients experience a healthcare-associated infection on any […]
Legionella Risk Assessment: Essential Information for Building Owners and Managers
Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Unfortunately, Legionella can be found in any building, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, hotels, and office buildings. The good news is that there are steps you can take to identify and manage the risks associated with Legionella. What is […]
Legionella Risk in Potable Cold Water Systems
Legionella, a waterborne pathogen, contaminates approximately half of all building water systems, including both potable and non-potable systems. It is typically introduced into building water systems from the municipal cold water supply. Once present, it can thrive in areas of the water system that offer ideal conditions for growth, such as warm water, sediment accumulation, […]
Controlling Legionella Case Study: Chlorine Dioxide vs. Copper-Silver Ionization
In 2009, an outbreak of Legionnaire’s Disease hit a large Georgia hospital, affecting six wards, and resulting in the closure of 10% of their patient beds. After trying several solutions, including installation of continuous chlorine dioxide systems and plumbing infrastructure upgrades, the hospital still tested positive for Legionella. In 2023, the hospital partnered with LiquiTech […]
Sediment in Building Water Systems: How It Impacts Plumbing and Budget
Sediment in your building’s water system can cause damage to plumbing, increase maintenance costs, and promote bacterial growth. To ensure your building water system runs smoothly and efficiently, it’s crucial to understand what sediment is, how it enters your water system, and strategies to control it. Sediment in building water systems Sediment is a naturally […]
