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Cooling towers and warm water systems

High risk manufactured water systems, namely warm water systems and cooling water systems, must be operated and maintained in accordance with the Public and Environmental Health (Legionella) Regulations 2008, Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZ 3666) and Guidelines for the Control of Legionella.

What is a cooling water system?

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.

What is a warm water system?

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.

High risk manufactured water systems forms

High risk manufactured water system legislation

Further information

For further information regarding high risk manufactured water systems, please contact:
City of Marion
Environmental Health Team
In person: 245 Sturt Road, Sturt SA 5047
Post: PO Box 21 Park Holme South Australia 5043