Three Cooling Towers Found with Excess Legionella Bacteria in August Inspections
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) uncovered elevated Legionella bacteria levels in three freshwater cooling towers across Hong Kong during its August routine inspection programme. Testing of 113 water samples from 57 buildings revealed that three samples met or exceeded the safety threshold of 1,000 colonies per milliliter. The department issued nuisance notices under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, prompting immediate disinfection by the tower owners, all of whom have since completed the required remedial work.
Key Points
- EMSD conducted August routine inspections testing 113 water samples from 57 buildings' freshwater cooling towers
- Three samples showed Legionella bacteria concentration at or exceeding 1,000 colonies per milliliter, the regulated upper limit
- Affected cooling tower locations: Sai Kung Putong Street No. 3, Shek Kip Mei Estate Mei Choi House, and Tai Wai Gold Mine Building on Tai Wai Road
- Nuisance notices were issued under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance requiring disinfection measures
- All three cooling tower owners have completed the required disinfection work following the notices
Why It Matters
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, particularly dangerous for elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The EMSD's proactive monitoring and enforcement help prevent potential outbreaks in densely populated residential areas across Hong Kong, where cooling towers are common in commercial and residential buildings.
Legionella bacteria can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, particularly dangerous for elderly and immunocompromised individuals. The EMSD's proactive monitoring and enforcement help prevent potential outbreaks in densely populated residential areas across Hong Kong, where cooling towers are common in commercial and residential buildings.