Notice of potable water testing requiring further remediation

What is being done and why?

• As part of the University of Toronto Potable Water Maintenance Program, Legionella testing is performed at minimum annually in each building to understand the presence of Legionella in potable water systems.
• During the last test, Legionella levels were found at a level requiring further remediation by thorough water flushing and disinfection of the system.
• Identified areas of concern will remain under surveillance as part of the monitoring procedures as applicable per the water maintenance program.
• Please visit the water maintenance program web page for more information and to see the test results.
• A separate service alert will be issued for water flushing and disinfection.

How will it impact building occupants?

• Please ensure that any equipment and experiments that require a reliable supply of domestic water are protected during the remediation period.
• Legionella in cold water is not a material risk as legionella favours warm water, but in temperatures between 25 and 42°C it can multiply and pose a health risk if other concurrent conditions are also present (e.g., warm water with mist such as showers or spray heads on taps).
• The presence of Legionella in the water is not a material risk to the general occupants unless it is aerosolized. The individual is generally a member of the susceptible population to acquire Legionellosis. For more information, please visit the EHS web page about the Water Maintenance Program and Testing for the Presence of Legionella.

Who do I contact for more information?

If you have questions about the remediation work required, including water flushing and disinfection, please contact Parvinder Kumar, lead hand at pk.kumar@utoronto.ca or 416-678-2371.

If you have questions or concerns about Legionella, please contact Environmental Health and Safety at ehs.office@utoronto.ca.

Issued by

John Walker
Manager, Mechanical Operations