Having the proper plan in place to sample for legionella can greatly aid you in staying compliant. Knowing the needs of your facility and system type has the potential to simplify your process. In order to create these plans, Tower Water offers Legionella sampling plan services to prepare you for practically anything. These plans are uniquely tailored to your specific needs and will help to simplify your testing process.
NYC & NJ Legionella Sampling Services
Legionella sampling involves the weekly, monthly or quarterly collection of hot water from a water system to check for Legionella bacteria. The water is then tested on-site using the dip slide or similar method for rapid Legionella sampling. If the test shows there is Legionella present in the water, it is sent to a laboratory for further examination. Upon confirming the level of Legionella present through the examination, Tower Water will help implement a mitigation and prevention strategy to ensure Legionella will no longer be present.
Routine Legionella Sampling Plans
When it comes to Legionella sampling, having the proper plan in place can change almost everything. Tower Water will help you to develop a plan that best suits your facility’s needs, is physically responsible, and allows you to stay in compliance. Even if the worst were to happen, the developed plan would show you as a responsible, proactive facility that cares about its tenants and employees.
Analysis Of Collected Legionella Samples
While most Legionella sampling methods offer rapid results, they may not always be 100% accurate. After each positive Legionella test, Tower Water sends the collected samples to our laboratories for further inspection. After determining whether there is Legionella present in the water system or not, our team will work with you to develop an immediate action plan to mitigate and prevent further bacterial growth.
Water Systems We Offer Legionella Sampling Plans For
Our team knows the best practices in taking samples and uses known, approved approaches to develop plans. The most important aspect of the Legionella test sample is consistency. This means test samples should be taken in the same place, in the same way, every time. We offer sample plans for a variety of different systems, each one being focused on compliance.
Cooling Tower Water
Tower Water offers plans for cooling towers that will help with compliance. For cooling towers, it is recommended that the samples be collected directly from the tower basin. This basic will be at the furthest most point away from the make-up-water. The sample should be free of sediment. The tablet included in most sample bottles is intended to stay in the bottle and is meant to counteract and neutralize any existing halogen in the water during sampling. Once the sample is collected, secure the bottle and shake the sample for a few seconds to help dissolve the tablet. This collection method is appropriate for decorative fountains and hot tubs.
Potable Water
Potable water has a slightly different process for sampling. Tower Water will help you to create a plan for your unique needs and test accordingly. The types of testing for potable water are as follows:
For water collection
Turn on hot water & immediately fill the sample bottle. If one exists, take care not to lose the tablet from the bottle during sampling. Once the sample is collected, secure the lid and shake the sample for a few seconds to dissolve the tablet.
For swab collections
Remove aerator if present. Moisten the faucet by turning on the hot water for a short time. Insert the swab into the faucet opening rotating two times against the inner surfaces. Collect a small amount of warm water from the faucet in the collection tube. Replace the swab in the transport tube and seal tube.
For a shower head
Rotate the swab over the entire surface of the shower head at least two times. Collect a small amount of warm water from the faucet in the collection tube. Replace the swab in the transport tube and seal tube.
Hot Water Storage Tank
For hot water storage tanks, Tower Water can help you to create a sound sample plan. When you test for Legionella, open the drain valve at the base of the heater or storage tank and immediately collect the flowing water into the sample collection bottle. Allow the water to continue to drain for 30 seconds to flush out sediment within the drainpipe. Collect another sample into a second sample bottle. Submit both samples to the lab labeled “immediate” and “post flush.” Swabs are not considered an appropriate sample for hot water tanks.
Once a sample has been taken, it should not be overly handled and should be shipped to an approved lab immediately. Please note: Since many labs are closed on the weekends, it is practical to take samples earlier in the week so that they are delivered in a timely manner.
Contact A Legionella Sampling Professional
Don’t leave your sampling plan up to chance. Contact qualified Legionella professionals to aid you in creating a sound Legionella sample plan for your facility. When you work with Tower Water, our team of talented Legionella experts can assess your needs and suggest the best possible plan for you. Reach out today by phone at (212) 729-9361 or schedule a consultation online to get started.