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TheProblem
In theUS, high quality potablewater treated to theNational Primary
DrinkingWaterStandard typicallyentersbuildingwater systems.However,
that water is thenprocessed andused in the facility. Degradation of water
qualitydue toprocessingoften results inexposureof buildingoccupants to
hazardous conditions.
Characteristics of typical premise plumbing in buildingwater system,
such as complex networks of small diameter pipes, render buildingwater
systems susceptible to microbial fouling. Water quality degradation due
heating, storing, conditioning, filtering, cooling, pressure regulation and
distribution throughout the buildingoften results in exposureof people to
unsafewater in thebuildings theyoccupy.
TheSignificanceof theProblem
Everyyear in theUnitedStates, tensof thousandsofpeopleareseriously
injured or die from exposure to premise plumbing hazards. Disease
incidence in the US is increasing (Neil 2008, CDC 2011, CDC 2013). It
hasbecome themost significantwater-related safety issue in thedeveloped
world today (Water ResearchFoundation, 2013).The harm caused by this
problem is extensive, serious andpreventable.
Factorscommon inoutbreaksof legionellosis in theUSare(Lucas2013):
• Lack of familiaritywithhowwater is processed in complex building
water systems
•Lackof effectivemicrobiological controls
•Lackof coordinatedprevention efforts
