High Risk Manufactured Water Systems
Legionella the Bacteria
Legionella from natural sources can enter and colonise High Risk Manufactured Water Systems such as cooling water systems (i.e. cooling towers and evaporative condensers) and warm water systems. Legionella infection or illness can result from the inhalation of aerosols containing Legionella which may be generated by these systems.
Cooling Water & Warm Water Systems
Cooling water systems that are not well maintained can accumulate large amounts of organic matter causing favourable conditions for the growth of Legionella. Similar to this, warm water systems provide water at temperatures within the growth range for Legionella and as a consequence require maintenance to minimise risks from Legionella.
Legislation
The SA Public and Environmental Health (Legionella) Regulations and Guidelines for the Control of Legionella in Manufactured Water Systems in SA are now in force.
Inspection & Sampling of Systems
The South Australian Public Health (Legionella) Regulations 2013 requires annual inspections of High Risk Manufactured Water Systems be carried out by Council. As part of this requirement, samples must also be taken by Council from these systems to determine the concentration of Legionella present in the water.
Registration of Systems
The South Australian Public Health (General) Regulations 2013 require building owners on which High Risk Manufactured Water Systems (HRMWS) are installed and operating to register all HRMWS (i.e. cooling water systems, warm water systems) with the Local Council of the area annually.
Notification of High Legionella Counts
The South Australian Public Health (Legionella) Regulations 2013 require owners of premises in which High Risk Manufactured Water Systems are installed to notify Council of high Legionella counts within 24 hours from the receipt of results.
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