The Importance of communication between water management plan team members

Water management team communication

Many facility managers want to have a proper water management program in place yet often it ends up being a document in the maintenance office or a PDF in a facility manager’s inbox. What stops a facility from having a proper water management program?

The answer is like many issues in a general sense that it is faulty from the get-go allow me to explain:

The first step to achieving a successful water management program is creating a team that includes the “full package” including a consultant (can be from the facility itself) that holds the ASSE 12080 certification for legionella water safety and management, building personnel with knowledge of the building water systems, an overseer to make sure control measures are being properly implemented , and a team member whose job is to actually perform the task delegated in the WMP.

In a properly functioning water management program, there should be biweekly meetings to review and make sure control measures are within their control limits and tasks are being performed and documented.   

The CDC toolkit is very valuable for facilities to learn how to verify and document their Water management program.

In my audits of water management planning and programs, I have seen in many cases that the team exists in name only on the document, however in delegating tasks and who is responsible for tasks there is no communication therefore tasks are not accomplished, and the water management plan becomes a paper on the shelf without any proactivity. Often simple tasks fall by the wayside due to a lack of communication between team members.

In many facilities, there is a lack of understanding of the importance of a proper WMP, however, even in facilities where the team members understand the importance due to the busy schedules of team members and the many important tasks that need to be done a simple task such as flushing and keeping the water moving can be often overlooked.

Therefore, I believe that in the initial setup of the plan, it is important that each team member firmly understands his role, whether you are part of housekeeping and your job is to flush unoccupied rooms or maintenance and your job is to inspect the mixing valve to make sure it’s working properly or whether you are the plan overseer that makes sure everyone performs their tasks. Every team member should understand their role, what their tasks are, and most importantly perform their tasks. With this, you are taking a large step in a positive direction to a successful water management plan.  

- By Avi Klein   ASSE 12080 Certified Legionella Water Safety & Water Management Specialist