The effectiveness of the treatment being used needs to be addressed in the risk management plan for the cooling tower system and monitored as part of an overall performance measurement program. The owner of the cooling tower will have the ability to choose an appropriate type of treatment for their respective systems. Like any piece of equipment, a new cooling tower is not 'sterile' or free from bacteria after it has been used, even if it has only been used for a relatively short period of time, or a small number of times. Cooling towers are also topped up with water and remove dirt from the air drawn into the cooling tower. Regular cleaning and chemical treatment that form part of an overall maintenance program will keep nutrients and conditions unfavourable for microbial growth.
Water treatment is an essential element in maintaining cooling tower systems.
The State Government's strategy comprises a comprehensive package of requirements to provide for the effective control and maintenance of cooling tower systems, to reduce the incidence and impact of Legionnaires' disease. Regulations will require these plans to address risk factors associated with water treatment and deficiencies in cooling tower systems. The Legionella Working Party considered the matter of accreditation within the water treatment industry. Accreditation of the water treatment industry is believed not to be appropriate at this time. This decision is based on national competition policy considerations, the costs associated with an accreditation system and the increased liability to Government that an accreditation system would impose.