Legionella Testing Services

Cinnaminson, New Jersey, November 14, 2024

Ubiquitous in all fresh water environments, Legionella bacteria are found in groundwater, surface water, as well as municipal water supply. The bacteria enter our premise plumbing systems where they populate our sinks, showers, whirlpool spas, and cooling towers. Unless appropriate control measures are conducted properly and routinely, the biofilm, scale, and corrosion that builds up over time in these systems will protect the organism and allow it to multiply.

The states of Ohio and New Jersey have joined other states, such as New York, Michigan, Illinois, and Virginia with mandated regulations for establishing water management programs to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease by requiring testing for the presence of Legionella in our plumbing systems.

Ohio implemented new laws for water management plans and temperature monitoring (Rule 3701-22-07 - Ohio Administrative Code | Ohio Laws). Water management plans and Legionella testing mandates affect Ohio healthcare facilities such as hospitals, residential care facilities, nursing homes, and veteran homes. Along with a water management plan, hospitals must also perform Legionella testing on their water systems (Ohio Dept of Health Legionella Monitoring and Environmental Controls). This applies to both potable water (bathroom faucets, showers, water used to clean medical devices) and non-potable water (cooling towers, decorative fountains). This regulation is effective as of September 14, 2024.

As stated in Bill S2188, New Jersey Legislature places new requirements on public water systems, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and Department of Health (DOH). Buildings and facilities affected by NJ Bill S2188 include but may not be limited to: healthcare facilities where patient stays exceed 24 hours, public water systems with 100 or more service connections, building that are 10 stories high or more (including levels below grade) with a centralized potable water-heater system and buildings that contain hot tubs, spas, pools, open/closed cooling towers, fountains, humidifiers, and misters. Penalties and fines reaching into the thousands can be applied if companies do not comply with these state requirements.

“As a national leader in Legionella testing, EMSL closely follows all local and state laws and regulations,” said Joseph Frasca, Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “EMSL’s network of 21 CDC ELITE laboratories across the U.S. and Canada are ready to assist with meeting state requirements regarding Legionella testing. We also carry the necessary sampling supplies and equipment to take sample for analysis.”

Please contact us today to learn about the various analyses options we offer and to place your order for water and biofilm supplies. EMSL Analytical can be reached at 800.220.3675, info@emsl.com, or visit our websites at www.emsl.com or www.legionellatesting.com.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.