There has been a lot of discussion and new guidance documentation about Legionella in building water systems and the implementation of water management programs (WMP) for ongoing operations. This has led to discussions about plumbing engineering best practices to allow the building water distribution system (BWDS) to operate efficiently and safely when the building is occupied.
However, even if the building is engineered to reduce the likelihood of waterborne pathogen growth and spread, the construction and commissioning phases of a project can completely derail even the best intentions of plumbing design professionals. The distinct phases of constructing and commissioning the BWDS can result in emerging disease cases or deaths immediately upon opening the facility. Who wants to celebrate a new building opening surrounded by a community outbreak of disease cases and deaths? It is certainly not something your clients, firm or professional liability insurance company would welcome.