Latest sampling results for Legionella bacteria at fresh water cooling towers
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     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (October 9) announced the latest statistics for Legionella bacteria following sampling tests at selected fresh water cooling towers.

     In September, the EMSD tested 57 water samples collected from cooling towers in 48 buildings. Seven samples were detected with a Legionella bacteria count (LBC) at or above the upper threshold, which is 1 000 colony-forming units per millilitre. These seven samples were collected from cooling towers at Shun Shing Building, 6-14/18-24 Yan Ching Street and Fu Hang Building, 26-40 Yan Ching Street, Tuen Mun; 34 Luen Shing Street, Fanling; 87 Percival Street and Prosperous Commercial Building, 54 Jardine's Bazaar, Causeway Bay; Block A, Mai Hing Industrial Building, 16-18 Hing Yip Street and Manning Industrial Building, 116-118 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong.

     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 Shun Shing Building and Fu Hang Building, Tuen Mun; 34 Luen Shing Street, Fanling; 87 Percival Street and Prosperous Commercial Building, Causeway Bay, has already been completed by the owners. Disinfection in the remaining cases at Block A, Mai Hing Industrial Building and Manning Industrial Building, Kwun Tong, is being arranged by the owner. Details of the seven cases in September 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/Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Issued at HKT 14:01

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