Background

As revealed in some overseas cases that fresh water cooling towers could be sources of spreading Legionnaires' disease (LD), there is health concern on their use if they are not properly designed, installed, operated and maintained. To address the concern of potential risk of LD related to cooling towers, the Government has formulated a package of enhancement measures for regulatory control of cooling towers. Among others, EMSD will regulate improperly maintained or contaminated fresh water cooling towers under the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance, Cap 132 (PHMSO).

Owners' Responsibilities on Operation and Maintenance

The owners of cooling towers shall ensure their proper operation and maintenance [PDF format (3.17MB)] including water treatment so as to prevent contamination of cooling towers and nuisances to the public.

Nuisances under PHMSO related to Fresh Water Cooling Towers

If fresh water cooling towers are found being so foul, or in such a state, as to be a nuisance or injurious or dangerous to health under the PHMSO, it can be dealt with summarily under the ordinance.

Actions by EMSD with Delegated Powers under PHMSO

With delegated powers from the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene under the PHMSO with effect from 24 January 2011, EMSD may enter premises, take water samples, carry out tests and, by issuing a nuisance notice, require owners/occupiers of the premises to rectify unsatisfactory conditions of fresh water cooling towers within a reasonable period of time. Failure to comply with the requirements of the nuisance notice within a specified period is an offence under the PHMSO.

Inspection of Fresh Water Cooling Towers

EMSD has been carrying out annual sampling inspections of fresh water cooling towerss in respect of their water quality starting from April 2011. Depending on testing results, EMSD will take regulatory actions on contaminated cooling towers where necessary in accordance with the provisions under the PHMSO.

Statistics of Water Sampling Results

Please click here to read statistics of water sampling results and actions taken by EMSD under the PHMSO since April 2011.

Complaints Handling

EMSD will also handle complaints and investigate on cases of improperly maintained or contaminated fresh water cooling towers causing nuisances as appropriate. Depending on investigation results, EMSD will take regulatory actions where necessary in accordance with the provisions under the PHMSO.