Since decorative fountains operate very similar to cooling towers, as far as aerosolizing and atomizing of water droplets which can maintain harmful bacteria, Tower Water tests them as well. Legionella Compliance for fountains & ponds, water features, and pools helps owners/operators to be proactive. Most of the reported outbreaks have been associated with indoor ornamental features in offices, conference centers, restaurants, and hotels. While it is less common, there have also been a few reported cases of an outdoor feature transmitting legionella bacteria as well.
While it is not yet, we are reasonably certain that water features will be an expansion area of the current law very soon since Section 7.2 of ASHRAE 188 makes a clear reference to decorative fountains and ponds. We believe New York City can require this additional care without major modification to the current law, and may not even ask for public opinion to do so. We could also foresee a day where these fountains will eventually be sealed or taken out of use without proof of proper maintenance, care, and legionella testing.
Are Water Features A Legionnaires’ Disease Risk?
Improperly treated water features can not only be unsightly but also dangerous. If left without proper maintenance they can breed many harmful bacteria, fungi, and diseases, legionella bacteria included. Legionella is transmitted to humans through inhaling the bacteria from the mist created by a water feature including fountains, ponds, decorative water walls, pools, and cooling towers. There is no current law directly related to these water systems and features, however, legionella bacteria, which causes Legionnaires’ disease is present in naturally-occurring water sources. It can also develop at alarmingly fast rates in fountains, ponds, and ornamental water features if the conditions are right and they are not treated and maintained properly.
Eliminating Risk
The most important element when looking to eliminate the risk factors for Legionella in any water features is to maintain its water circulation systems. This means making sure they are taking care of scale buildups in the feature and reducing the water temperatures so that they do not support legionella bacteria growth. If you maintain or look after a decorative water fountain, pond, or another type of water feature, you must be aware of the potential dangers such water systems pose to those around them. You need to ensure that you take the appropriate steps to minimize the risks of legionella growth.
Seek Assistance From Legionella Compliance For Fountains & Ponds
We know these water features can add a lot to the aesthetic of your environment, but we also know that they can be at risk for legionella growth. Contact Tower Water to test and develop a custom treatment plan for your fountains, pools, or other water feature. Eliminate any fear of legionella bacteria growing in your decorative feature.
Our Legionella Compliance For fountains, ponds, water features, and pools will help to keep you within regulation. We are the experts when it comes to being responsible and accountable for taking care of legionella in order to keep your building’s water features safe for all those around it. Reach out to us by phone at (212) 729-9361 or visit our office at 1460 Broadway New York, NY 10036. You can also schedule a consultation online to speak with one of our experts.
