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The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (August 7) announced the latest statistics for Legionella bacteria following sampling tests at selected fresh water cooling towers.
In July, the EMSD tested 78 water samples collected from cooling towers in 57 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 176-178 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai; Block 5, Hong Kong Spinners Industrial Building, 760-762 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok; and 31C Chi Kiang Street, To Kwa 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. Disinfection of the cooling towers for the three cases has already been completed by the owners. Details of the three cases in July 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/Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 14:29
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