Legionella Bacteria Water Sampling Methodology
This blog delves into systematic approaches for Legionella water testing, offering valuable insights into best practices and recommendations to ensure the safety of your water. Importance of quarterly Legionella sampling Building water systems are dynamic and influenced by various factors such as usage patterns, maintenance schedules, and seasonal changes in municipal water quality. These complex […]
Keeping Hospitals Safe: A Success Story with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
When Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford opened its doors in 1991, it was met with an unexpected challenge: Legionella bacteria in the building’s water system. Despite the hospital’s best efforts, traditional disinfection methods failed to control the problem, which led to two tragic patient deaths. The hospital turned to LiquiTech and the LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System, […]
An Examination of Dead Legs, Water Flow, and Legionella Growth
The relationship between stagnant sections in building water systems, known as dead legs, water flow conditions, and the risk of Legionella, a bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease, is more complex and multifaceted than commonly perceived. In this article, we explore these topics in-depth, using insights from scientific studies and valuable industry observations. Understanding dead legs […]
Understanding Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) Bacteria in Water Systems
Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) bacteria are naturally occurring organisms commonly found in water systems. While their presence is not unusual, HPC bacteria are not regulated or routinely monitored as contaminants in drinking water due to their high variability and typically elevated concentrations. HPC bacteria and human health The presence of HPC bacteria in drinking water […]
Legionella and Waterborne Pathogens 101 for Plumbing Engineers
Successful plumbing engineering involves the comprehensive understanding and meticulous control of waterborne pathogens, with a particular focus on Legionella. These harmful pathogens can infiltrate building water systems through various means, such as contaminated water sources or inadequate water treatment. To effectively mitigate the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens, plumbing engineers must possess in-depth […]
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 […]
