Four freshwater cooling towers tested with exceeding levels of Legionella bacteria

A total of four samples out of 99 freshwater cooling towers from 62 buildings tested positive for Legionella bacteria concentrations equivalent to or exceeding the upper limit of 1,000 colony-forming units per milliliter at the routine inspection carried out by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) last month.

The freshwater cooling towers involved are located at Ming Sau Building on Chun Yeung Street in North Point, Hong Kong Garden Commercial Complex on 100 Castle Peak Road, Cheung Fung Industrial Building on Pak Tin Par Street and 9 and 33 to 36 Sham Hong Road in Tsuen Wan.  

The EMSD has issued Nuisance notices to the owners of the cooling towers, necessitating appropriate disinfection measures. All owners have completed the disinfection procedures.