The Task Group on Legionella in Building Water Systems met for the first time for an orientation meeting.  This Task Group being chaired by Edward Hood, H.H. Angus Associates from Toronto, with members from across North America, will focus on new requirements for new and existing buildings.

The Task Group was directed to review the Operating Procedures posted on the Canadian Board for Harmonized Construction Codes website.  Staff also reviewed the Task Group's mandate and scope as well as the mandate of the National Model Code Committee on Indoor Environment which it reports to.  Staff also went over a high-level presentation on the potential health risks and potential sources of Legionella, which was posted for all meeting participants.  CHBA asked if the Task Group would apply specific criteria when determining whether Code Change Requests have merit and was advised that such criteria has yet to be made available. 

The Task Group discussed the current minimum temperature requirements in the National Plumbing Code for service water heaters and bathtubs & showers that are meant to address both legionella and help prevent scalds and burns. 

Code Change Request (CCR) 2052 Updated Pipe Sizing Based on IAPMO Water Demand Calculator was assigned to this task group because smaller pipes would reduce stagnation and therefore the potential for legionella. The proponent explained how the water demand calculator being proposed as an option in the plumbing code had already been adopted the City of Vancouver for residential construction.

For any questions, please contact Jack.Mantyla@chba.ca

Meeting materials can be found below: