Latest sampling results for Legionella bacteria at fresh water cooling towers

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (December 7) announced the latest statistics for Legionella bacteria following sampling tests at selected fresh water cooling towers.

In November, the EMSD tested 68 water samples collected from cooling towers in 60 buildings. Three samples were detected to have a Legionella bacteria count (LBC) at or above the upper threshold, which is 1 000 colony-forming units per millilitre. These three samples were collected from cooling towers at Fu Hang Industrial Building, 1 Hok Yuen Street East, Hung Hom; Po Hon Building, 24-30 Percival Street, Causeway Bay, and Mutual House, 26-40 Chung On Street, Tsuen Wan.

The EMSD has issued nuisance notices under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance to the owners of these cooling towers requiring appropriate disinfection work to be taken. Among them, disinfection of the cooling towers at Fu Hang Industrial Building, Hung Hom, and Po Hon Building, Causeway Bay, has already been completed by the owners. Disinfection in the remaining case at Mutual House, Tsuen Wan, is being arranged by the owner. Details of the three cases in November are available at
www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/e_download/pps/others/Building_List_CT_NN.pdf　.

The EMSD publishes on its website (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ct_stat.shtml) on a half-monthly basis the latest Legionella bacteria statistics following sampling tests at fresh water cooling towers. Also listed are any buildings where the LBC was found in the fresh water cooling tower to be equal to or above the upper threshold during the preceding three-month period, and which were thus served with nuisance notices.

A department spokesman said, "Fresh water cooling tower owners have the responsibility to design, operate and maintain cooling towers properly. They should arrange regular inspections, timely maintenance and periodic testing of the water quality of their cooling towers in accordance with the Code of Practice for Water-cooled Air Conditioning Systems issued by the EMSD in order to prevent the proliferation of Legionella bacteria."

Ends/Friday, December 7, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:01

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