Water Quality Monitoring in Building Hot Water
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- Water Quality Monitoring in Building Hot Water
Water Quality Monitoring in Building Hot Water
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- Water Quality Monitoring in Building Hot Water
New Sensor Makes Hot Water Quality Monitoring Practical for Legionella Compliance
A groundbreaking advancement in water safety technology is revolutionizing how building owners and operators manage Legionella risks in hot water systems. With the introduction of a new sensor designed for 24-hour monitoring of chlorine levels, compliance with stringent regulations like New Jersey’s Senate Bill S2188 (now P.L. 2024, Chapter 66) and ASHRAE Standard 188 has become more practical and cost-effective. This innovation aligns with the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) and NJDEP efforts to prevent Legionnaires’ disease through robust water management program templates, ensuring safer and more resilient buildings.
The sensor, which can be installed directly in pipes (NSF61 approved), offers unparalleled flexibility. It operates independently of flow and pressure, making it adaptable for nearly any hot water system—ideal for health care facilities under the Health Care Facilities Planning Act and other high-risk buildings outlined in S2188. Unlike traditional monitoring methods, this device produces no waste stream, saving approximately 70,000 gallons of water annually per system. This translates to significant savings: $490 in water costs and $950 in energy expenses, a win for both sustainability and budgets. What sets this sensor apart is its ability to continuously measure four key parameters recommended by ASHRAE and the CDC: chlorine, pH, conductivity, and temperature. For systems using monochloramine as a disinfectant—a common strategy for Legionella bacteria control—a specialized monochloramine sensor is also available. This 24-hour monitoring ensures real-time compliance with Legionella provisions of law, providing building owners and operators with peace of mind and actionable data to maintain water quality.
New Jersey’s Senate Bill S2188, signed into law as P.L. 2024, Chapter 66, mandates comprehensive water management programs to combat Legionella risks, particularly in healthcare settings and buildings with complex water systems. The DOH and NJDEP emphasize proactive monitoring and maintenance, requirements this sensor meets effortlessly. By integrating this technology, building operators can uphold ASHRAE Standard 188 guidelines, reduce liability, and protect occupants from Legionnaires’ disease—all while cutting costs and conserving resources. This innovation marks a significant step forward in Legionella compliance, offering a practical, efficient solution for modern water safety challenges. For building owners seeking to enhance resilience and meet regulatory demands, this sensor is a game-changer.