Building owners and managers are in a tough position right now, as “business normal” includes lower occupancy and therefore new concerns for the systems designed for higher loads and flows.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light so many things taken for granted in the United States.  Infrastructure shut down and restrictions have shown us the strengths and weaknesses of many building systems, their cooling systems designed for higher load included.

From extreme weather events to the royal wedding, 2018 has been a year to remember in many ways. Let’s take a moment to reflect on 2018 through the lens of water management.

3 Top Trends in Water Management in 2018

In no particular order, here are three of the top areas of concern in water management we’ve noted over the past year.

Water is used in all kinds of commercial and industrial processes, including heating and cooling, cleaning, and process applications. Proper disposal of this water after use is heavily regulated and protects human and environmental health. Wastewater management presents many challenges both from a regulatory and an operations standpoint. Understanding the basics of managing an industrial wastewater system will assist you with compliance and help you keep your costs contained.

Although nine out of 10 Legionnaires' disease cases are preventable, older workers and those with compromised immune systems continue to be diagnosed each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). People working in facilities that utilize water in different ways (heating/cooling/potable use, etc.) are susceptible to contracting this disease. In 2015, a large outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease caused by a cooling tower occurred in a medically vulnerable New York City community.