New Jersey is taking significant steps to combat Legionnaires’ disease with new legislation S2188. What are the new rules for public water systems and buildings? How will they affect you? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Are the New Requirements for Public Water Systems in New Jersey?
Operators of public water systems with 100 or more service connections—typically large municipalities, buildings, and campuses—must now follow stricter regulations:
- Maintain Safe Disinfectant Levels: Public water systems are required to keep chlorine levels at a minimum of 0.3 mg/L or monochloramine at 1.0 mg/L to prevent Legionella growth.
- Frequent Testing: Regular testing for disinfectant residuals will be mandatory to ensure water quality remains within the acceptable range.
- Public Notification: What happens if there’s a water disruption? Operators must inform residents and businesses of any potential increase in Legionella risk due to disruptions like repairs or construction, along with tips to mitigate exposure.
- Health Department Investigations: What does the Department of Health (DOH) do? If a case of Legionnaires’ disease is reported, the DOH will investigate in collaboration with the water system operator.
Which Buildings Need Water Management Programs and Why?
Certain high-risk buildings are required to implement water management programs designed to minimize Legionella growth. The following are covered:
- High-Risk Buildings: Do healthcare and large buildings need water management plans? Yes. Healthcare centers, treatment facilities for immunocompromised populations, and buildings over 10 stories with centralized hot water systems must comply.
- Buildings with Water Aerosol Systems: What about buildings with cooling towers or fountains? Facilities with water aerosol systems like whirlpools, cooling towers, humidifiers, and decorative fountains must establish water management programs.
- ASHRAE Standard 188 Compliance: By August 31, 2025, these buildings must follow ASHRAE Standard 188, a national guideline for minimizing Legionella risks in building water systems.
What Are the Penalties for Non-Compliance?
What happens if a building or water system doesn’t comply with the new rules? Penalties can range from $2,000 for the first violation up to $10,000 for more severe offenses, particularly if they lead to serious injury or death.
How Will the Department of Health Protect Public Health?
The Department of Health plays a critical role in the enforcement and public health response:
- Investigations of Legionnaires’ Cases: What should you expect if a case is reported in your area? The DOH will investigate and offer testing for residents in affected areas.
- Public Case Registry: Will there be a database for reported cases? Yes, the DOH will create a public registry of anonymized Legionnaires’ cases.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: How can you protect yourself from Legionella? The DOH will run campaigns to educate the public about Legionella risks and how to reduce exposure, especially targeting vulnerable populations.
- Getting Ready: How Can You Comply with the New Legislation? Partner with a trusted water treatment leader like Metro Group to ensure compliance by the August 2025 deadline. All impacted buildings and public water systems must meet the new regulations, designed to prevent, detect, and manage Legionella risks across New Jersey. This proactive approach prioritizes public health and safety, safeguarding communities for the future.
Are you ready for Legionella Compliance?
Metro Group has been the trusted source for building solutions since 1925. Let us help you take the right steps to ensure compliance and safeguard your residents, employees, and customers from Legionella bacteria. Contact us today to learn more about our turnkey water management plans and receive a FREE quote on a comprehensive legionella water analysis from our CDC ELITE & ELAP certified lab.
