Cooling towers and warm water systems

A cooling water system is defined as a heat exchange system that consists of a heat generating plant, a heat rejection plant, interconnecting water recirculating pipe work and associated pumps, valves and controls, and includes a cooling tower or evaporative condenser.

A warm water system is defined as a reticulated water system that distributes or recirculates warm water through the majority of its branches at a nominal temperature of 45°C by means of a temperature controlling device.

A summary of the laws applying to the operation of High Risk Manufactured Water Systems is provided below:

• All new High Risk Manufactured Water Systems must be registered with Council within one month of commissioning.
• Positive Legionella counts must be reported to Council within 24 hours.
• All existing high risk manufactured water systems must be registered with council.
• Automatic biocide dosing devices must be fitted to each cooling water system.
• Drift eliminators must be fitted to each cooling water system.
• Plans, manuals and up-to-date log books for each system must be kept on the premises in an accessible location.
• Cooling towers must be maintained in accordance with either Section 2.5 of AS/NZS 3666.2 or Section 3 of AS/NZS 3666.3 or a program approved by the Minister.