Multi-family homes include condominiums, apartments, townhouses and duplexes. These building’s plumbing pipes may be at higher risk for Legionella than single family homes due to the possibility of having larger, more complex plumbing, heating and cooling systems. Water has further to travel through these systems, so it’s much harder to keep the temperature right, and disinfectant levels adequate. The control of these systems is typically the responsibility of the landlord or a property or facility manager. In these circumstances, it is the facility operator’s responsibility to ensure proper maintenance and cleaning of the building's plumbing, heating and cooling systems. Tenants should regularly clean showerheads, faucets and personal humidifiers as described on the Homeowners page.
Facility managers of these buildings should follow the recommendations outlined in guidance from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. The ASHRAE standard Legionella, and includes the development of a Water Management Plan, since their buildings may include (among others) the following features that can increase the risk of bacterial growth and transmission:
- Hot tubs/ Jacuzzis / spas
- Pools and shower facilities
- Indoor or outdoor fountains or water features
- Central water heaters and distributed water lines/pipes
- Cooling towers
- Water reservoir tanks
- Humidifiers
- Solar water systems
- Ice machines
Facility mangers of these buildings should have
standard operating procedures for the routine maintenance and sanitation of these features. Some general guidelines are provided below: