The City of Vancouver is implementing changes to the Vancouver Building Bylaw for cooling towers, evaporative condensers, and decorative water features effective in January 2020.
Buildings with mechanical systems including cooling towers and decorative water features have the potential for dispersing Legionella-containing water mist. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia. In a review of waterborne outbreaks associated with drinking water in the United States in 2013-2014, all fatalities were attributable to Legionella. Last year, the reported incidents of Legionnaires’ disease in the United States was about 2.6 cases per 100,000 — the actual disease burden may be ten times this — and about 1-in-10 cases is fatal.
To more effectively respond to incidents, mitigate health risks by pathogens (such as Legionella pneumophila), and ensure compliance with updated standards, operating permits will be required so the City of Vancouver and health authorities are able to track new and existing mechanical systems. In addition, proper record-keeping and water treatment plans will also be required as a part of adhering to the new standards being made mandatory in January 2020.
Being the only environmentally-friendly solution on the market, Leasam can assist you and your building in becoming compliant with the new bylaw(s). For more information, contact us directly, or visit the City of Vancouver website where they discuss the topic in more detail.