This new water management plan requirement applies to residential care facilities, nursing homes, and Ohio Veterans Homes. It is effective as of July 12, 2024. The Ohio Code 3701-16-12 requires that the facility creates procedures for infection and disease control. This includes an infection prevention/control program. In addition to this, they are required to make a water management program. The goal of this program is to control waterborne pathogens, such as Legionella, occurrence and transmission.
This is to be in accordance with the CDC’s water management program guidelines and environmental infection control guidelines. The Center for Disease Control regularly updates these, especially as more attention is brought to water pathogen risk. The Ohio Code 3701-16 covers all residential facility guidelines as they relate to the Ohio Department of Health.
Water Maintenance
Scale formation prevention- referred to as “limescale”, these are calcium deposits, often caused by hard water. Scale inhibitors and water softeners are effective ways to mitigate this.
Sediment removal- Debris or suspended solids are often present in the water. Use filters such as centrifugal separators to remove these types of debris.
Corrosion reduction- Rust and pitting decay the system, corrosion inhibitors and corrosion coupon monitoring will help fight this.
Biofilm reduced- Bacteria in water form layers of biofilm, a layer of organic matter which fosters the growth of harmful bacteria. Biocides effectively counter this film.
Disinfect regularly- Consistently cleaning and flushing the system will reduce many of the harmful properties of water.
Stagnant water identification- Find dead legs, areas where pipes do not have water flow in and out of. Additionally, find areas of low flow. These types of spaces are ideal for diseases causing bacteria to grow.
Temperature control- Legionella flourishes in water temperatures between 77°F and 113°F. Keeping the cold-water supply below 77°F and the hot water supply above 113°F will help prevent the growth of Legionella.
Water Management Plan for Residential Care Facility
Chardon Labs Testing for Legionella
When vulnerable populations are in your facility (elderly, immunocompromised, veterans, chronically ill people), it is important to test regularly for Legionella to help control Legionnaires disease. Contact an expert at Chardon Labs today for quick, accurate testing via our simple contact form or by calling us at (380) 224-7395.
