Legionella testing should be a regular part of any facility’s maintenance if they use equipment that requires water in order to operate; that qualification fits most places, which at the very least are likely to have a water heater or perhaps a cooling tower or evaporative condenser.
The choice becomes even simpler for facilities relying on cooling towers, as these pieces of machinery are some of the most frequent culprits behind outbreaks of legionellosis, or illnesses caused by bacteria in contaminated water. If you are looking for a reliable Legionella testing company, you may not know how to determine their quality.
Why Not Just Test for Legionella Yourself?
Hiring a Professional Legionella testing company< costs money, and so many building owners and managers wonder, “Why can’t I just do Legionella testing myself?” The reality is that there are multiple reasons a Legionella test should be left to the experts. The bacteria being tested for can be dangerous or even fatal to humans, and exposure to them is not something that most facility operators are comfortable handling on their own. Additionally, thorough, comprehensive testing is required in order to ensure that the results are reliable; there is no point in spending time and effort testing if the test itself is flawed.
Also, if it ever comes to litigation, they may discredit results as an individual not trained in the proper procedures and methodology sampled the particular system. These reasons, and numerous others, are why relying on a Legionella testing company is wise.
Criteria to Look for When Seeking a Testing Company
Once you have determined that you need the assistance of a testing company, you may be unsure of how to select the ideal match for your business.
Be sure to keep in mind that the best companies will have certain characteristics that speak of their quality and comprehensive testing abilities, are local and include legionella testing as a major component of their business. Consider the following as you evaluate possible candidates.
Vested Interest and Partiality
One of the most important aspects of a good Legionella testing company is its impartiality. If a water testing technician has a vested interest in the water quality of your business—such as if that individual is an employee or member of management at the facility and does not want to see business operations pause to treat Legionella—you may not receive an unbiased and accurate report about the state of the water.
Also, some consultants actually want to find a problem, this can lead to obsessive amounts of tests. Companies that remediate this deadly bacteria may also not be the best choice as they have ancillary services they may wish to sell. Reaching out to work with someone who has no vested interest in your business and can be entirely impartial will result in the most accurate and comprehensive testing results.
Accreditation and Experience
In addition to unbiased work, a reliable Legionella testing company will be able to prove their experience through their past work and possible accreditation. ASHRAE is one such accredited national standard for the detection and treatment of Legionella, which means that if you locate a company that actively engages with ASHRAE and seeks proper training and evaluation of its own technicians, you are more likely to have a positive experience and see thorough results.
These professionals can also often assist you with developing a more robust Legionella prevention plan and evaluating the specific risks of your unique water system.
Resources, Tools and Connections
Legionella testing is not typically as simple as merely inserting a testing strip into the water. Well-done, comprehensive testing should include a wide variety of metrics, and the best Legionella testing companies will be able to utilize resources, tools and connections that they have built over the years to ensure that you see the best relative result possible.
This may include contacts at scientific labs that can examine water samples under a microscope and identify exactly which type of Legionella (or other bacteria) is present in your water.
This is valuable information, because it prevents you from spending unneeded money on water treatment that is not targeting the specific risks in your water.
If you know which type of Legionella is present in your system, you can craft a highly effective treatment plan that works better and lasts longer than a wide-spectrum, one-size-fits-all approach. When you correctly identify the bacteria that are causing a problem, the process of removing them from your water supply becomes much simpler, and you can protect your equipment from fouling and premature failure.
Work with the Premier Legionella Testing Experts
Whether you are looking for assistance in developing a comprehensive Legionella testing plan or you need someone with experience and accreditation to test your facility’s water, be sure to rely on the professionals.
Water testing is an area in which you get what you pay for; a reliable testing company like Tower Water will strive to work within your budget while performing a complete and thorough test that keeps the people in your building’s vicinity safe. Reach out to schedule an appointment.