Compliance requirements for building owners and managers

Cooling water systems cool buildings or machines by moving water through pipes to remove heat. This prevents air or equipment from overheating. In some systems, this water is sprayed or stored in cooling towers.
 
Warm water systems supply warm or hot water to showers, baths, and sinks.
 
Both systems must be kept clean and inspected regularly. Dirty water can allow harmful bacteria to grow and pose serious health risks.
 

Notification

Under the Public Health Act 2010, building owners and managers are required to notify Council about any cooling towers or warm water systems on their premises.
 
Notification is required when you:

• Move into a building that already has one of these systems, or

• Plan to install one of these systems.

To notify of cooling towers or warm water systems, fill in the NSW Health Approved Form 6 - Notification of installation or change in particulars then email the completed form to ehadmin@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
 
To check whether a system has already been notified, email us at ehadmin@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
 

Complying with the law

The Public Health Act 2010 and the Public Health Amendment (Legionella Control) Regulation 2018 establish clear requirements for cooling towers and warm water systems. These requirements cover the installation, operation, and maintenance of both systems and are designed to prevent Legionella bacteria from growing and spreading.
 
Legionella bacteria causes Legionnaires' disease — a serious and potentially life-threatening illness.
 
Building occupiers must comply with six key requirements under this legislation. They are:

Mandatory Reporting

The Public Health Regulation 2012 requires standard forms to be used for all reports. These forms must be used for:

• Risk Management Plans (RMPs).

• Audit reports.

• Monthly testing reports.

• Notification of reportable test results.

All forms are available on the NSW Health website.
 
Using the correct forms ensures all information is complete and meets legal requirements.

Completed forms must be submitted to Council by email via ehadmin@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au. Council officers will review each submission and make contact if further information or action is required.