When it comes time to test for Legionella in your water supply, it is important to understand that this is not a process that should be attempted by someone without experience. Most facilities rely on professional Legionella testing companies to handle this part of water system maintenance due to a combination of time and money saved as well as regulatory requirements.
As you consider which Legionella testing company to trust with your maintenance plan, consider the following questions to ask so that you can feel confident that you made a reliable choice.
Choosing the Right Legionella Testing Company
In order to determine which Legionella testing company is right for you, it is important to keep a number of factors in mind. While it is true that a company’s reputation and online reviews can speak volumes about the quality of their work, your investigation should not stop there. Ask the following questions in order to understand the full scope of services that a testing company could provide and whether they are the right fit for you.
What Are Their Connections?
A trustworthy Legionella testing company does not work alone; in fact, they should have important connections to resources such as labs that can assist you with understanding the exact state of your water quality and any contaminants. Laboratories that are accredited for environmental testing or participate in proficiency programs specifically centering around Legionella bacteria can provide valuable information to your testing company about how to approach your water system in a comprehensive manner.
And if the professionals are equipped with knowledge of exactly which type or strain of Legionella you are facing, you can craft a more focused and effective remediation plan that keeps your facility’s down time to a minimum.
How Familiar Are They With Regulations and Code Issues?
Any reputable Legionella testing company should remain informed about current regulatory guidance for the management of Legionella.
Your facility is required to comply with certain mandates and local laws, of which your testing company remains an active part. From certifications to the proper handling of samples and reporting, it is vital that your testing company remains aware of the current state of Legionella regulations so that you do not receive fines or penalties as a result of your maintenance plan.
Do They Have Extensive Experience?
Experience is one of the most important aspects of a reliable testing company. Testing for Legionella is not as simple as placing a testing stick into a water sample and immediately reading the results. Taking environmental assessments involves both theoretical and practical, mechanical knowledge of your system and even the building that it services, which means that having an extensive history in the field is valuable.
Can That Legionella Testing Company Provide A Custom Plan?
Each water system is unique, which means that each approach to comprehensive Legionella testing must also be custom fit to every location. Reliable testing companies will create a plan that is suited to the unique needs and risks of your particular building and water system to address issues with Legionella as thoroughly as possible.
Companies that offer one-size-fits-all solutions will not be as thorough and could leave your facility vulnerable to the development and proliferation of Legionella, impacting not only your regulatory compliance and equipment efficiency but also the safety and wellbeing of everyone in the area of your building.
Are There Any Conflicts of Interest?
An unbiased company that has your best interests in mind will perform better than one that has a vested interest in selling certain products or recommending certain services such as water treatment or cleaning of cooling towers. As you consider which Legionella testing company to trust, ask about why they recommend the products that they do and whether they receive any benefits from doing so.
The best products for a certain situation will depend upon your specific water system, and while professionals may have individual brands that they tend to trust, selecting the right products and services as needed should be the priority.
Work with the Professional Legionella Testing Company
Whether you are considering how to remedy Legionella in your water system or are looking for a testing company to assist you over the long term so that your building remains in compliance, be sure to select a reputable and trustworthy company. The experts at Tower Water would be happy to evaluate the particular strengths and risks of your system and provide personalized guidance based on your needs.
Reach out to schedule an appointment with the Legionella testing experts so that you can avoid fines by remaining in compliance and keep those in the vicinity of your building safe from potentially hazardous Legionella bacteria.
