When should a water treatment program for Legionella control be implemented for cooling towers serving new buildings?

Implementing a water treatment program for Legionella control upon startup of the cooling tower, even if the building is not yet occupied, is essential for several reasons. Cooling towers can be prone to Legionella colonization if proper management and control measures are not established from the onset of operation.

Starting the treatment program at the point of startup ensures that the water quality is actively managed from the beginning, preventing the growth of Legionella and reducing the risk of contamination. This proactive approach is crucial because even untouched systems can harbor conditions conducive to Legionella proliferation, such as stagnant water and appropriate temperatures.

By initiating the treatment program during startup, building owners and facility managers can monitor and adjust water chemistry, mitigate biofilm development, and ensure that cooling tower operations comply with health and safety regulations. This early intervention is key to safeguarding not only the future occupants of the building but also maintenance personnel who may be working in or around the cooling tower area before the building opens.

Other options, such as waiting until the building is officially opened, performing treatment during the final construction phase, or only after the first maintenance check would leave a critical gap in managing Legionella risks and could lead to elevated health hazards when the building is eventually occupied.