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Water is our most critical asset. Whether it’s flowing through domestic plumbing, circulating in cooling towers, or feeding HVAC systems, water quality directly affects both human health and the longevity of infrastructure. In this four-part blog series, we will discuss the essential need to consider water quality at the point of design in order to provide clients with a solution that protects both occupant health and mechanical assets.
The Risk of Waterborne Pathogens
Waterborne pathogens such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and nontuberculous mycobacteria thrive in poorly managed water systems, especially where stagnation or inconsistent temperatures occur. Vulnerable populations—including children, immunocompromised individuals, and the elderly—are particularly at risk in institutional environments. Strategic microbial sampling and hazard assessments can help determine the most effective treatment strategy.
The Challenge of Chemical Contaminants
Chemical contaminants such as lead, copper, and disinfectant byproducts also pose serious health threats, often stemming from aging infrastructure or inconsistent treatment protocols. Regulatory frameworks—including EPA drinking water standards, ASHRAE 188, and local health codes—help mitigate these risks, but compliance alone doesn’t guarantee safety. Proactive water management is needed to put best practices into action.
Root Cause Investigations and Treatment Options
Investigating the root causes of water-related issues is always the first step. Site-specific diagnostics allow for science-based interventions that address the underlying problem rather than just treating symptoms. With the right interventions, most water quality challenges are solvable. Physical water treatment methods—such as filtration and UV disinfection—offer reliable, chemical-free alternatives that reduce risk and improve system performance.
The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring
Effective water quality management requires more than a one-time fix. It depends on ongoing monitoring, clear communication, and thorough documentation. Facilities teams benefit from actionable data, including water quality logs, microbial sampling, risk assessments, and communication records. Science-based water management not only reduces health risks—it also minimizes chemical use and lowers energy consumption, helping institutions meet sustainability goals.
Protecting People and Infrastructure
Institutions that invest in proactive, science-based water management strategies are not only protecting people; they’re also preserving infrastructure and fulfilling their mission.
Next week we will look more closely at the role water treatment plays in occupant health and the unintended consequences of chemical disinfection.
This series is written in partnership with the Water Solutions Group (WSG). WSG offers innovative water quality solutions. Contact the team for a site assessment or view our extensive line card to learn more.
Water Solutions Group is a separate division of the R.L. Deppmann Company created to provide end users and engineers with a valuable resource in efforts to improve water quality. Proper water quality management protects the equipment, operations, occupants, and environment. Water quality should be considered at the time of design to ensure safe and efficient operating systems. Our intimate knowledge of water systems positions Water Solutions Group to be the ideal partner when evaluating operational issues that may arise because of poor water quality.