Legionella bacteria can cause a type of pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease. People with predisposing risk factors may become ill if they inhale small droplets of water containing this bacteria. Legionnaires’ disease is not spread person to person.
Cooling towers, hot water tanks, shower heads, large plumbing systems, whirlpool spas, and parts of air conditioning systems of large buildings have been implicated as a source of exposure to legionella bacteria.
For more information on Legionella please click here.
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs have also been found to be a source of Legionaires’ disease. Good hot tub maintenance is critical in preventing illness. More information on health concerns and hot tubs is available here.
Cooling Towers Registry Bylaw – PUBLIC CONSULTATION
Public Health Services is currently seeking feedback from Cooling Tower owners and operators!
Hamilton Public Health Services (PHS) has proposed to develop a Bylaw which will require local Cooling Towers to be registered with PHS. The Registry is necessary for PHS to protect the health of the Hamilton population.
If you are an OWNER or OPERATOR of a Cooling Tower within the City of Hamilton please review the proposed bylaw below and complete our questionnaire.
The city requires this program to be self supportive and therefore user fees will be implemented and may be changed at any time. The current estimated fee for each cooling tower registered is $150 per year.
Please read our Letter to Stakeholders for additional information.
Cooling Tower Registry Draft Bylaw
Evaluation Questionnaire – Please complete, print and forward to the contact information listed below by Friday November 27, 2009. Any questionnaires received after this date may not be included in the preparation of this bylaw.
Related Cooling Tower Registry Documents
Board of Health Background Report - In June 2009 the Board of Health directed PHS to consult with stakeholders and report back with a draft cooling tower registry bylaw.
Legionella & Cooling Towers – International Literature Search prepared by McMaster Institute of Environment and Health (MIEH)
Consultation Invitation – Letter mailed to stakeholders introducing proposed Cooling Tower Registry bylaw.
Contact Information
Public Health Services
Health Protection Division
1 Hughson Street North, 3rd Floor
Hamilton ON L8R 3L5
Natasha Mihas
Phone: (905) 546-2424 Ext. 7902
Fax: (905) 546-2787
Email: Natasha.Mihas@hamilton.ca