New Water Testing Requirements for Government-Leased Buildings

As of March 2024, property owners leasing buildings to U.S. government agencies must comply with updated water quality testing requirements. These regulations ensure that water in government-leased facilities is safe for use, particularly regarding contaminants like lead, copper, total coliform (including E. coli), and Legionella. This guide explains who needs testing, what actions building owners should take, testing specifics, and how much it costs. Florida Water Process Services (FLWPS) can help you meet these new requirements efficiently.

Who is Required to Get Testing?

If you are leasing a building to a U.S. government agency through the General Services Administration (GSA), you are required to conduct water quality tests. The testing applies to spaces accessible to federal employees and visitors, including common areas, restrooms, kitchenettes, and other facilities where water is used for human consumption. 

What Do Building Owners Need to Do?

To comply with the new regulations, building owners must: 

• Hire a Qualified Water Testing Professional: The testing must be carried out by professionals who are certified and experienced in water quality sampling. The professional should ideally hold an ASSE 12080 certification or be under the supervision of someone certified. 

• Conduct Required Testing: Testing must cover key contaminants such as lead, copper, total coliform, and Legionella. The sample size and locations vary depending on the building’s layout. 

• Submit Testing Reports: After the tests, building owners must provide documentation, including the test results, to the GSA within the required timeframe. 

• Address Water Quality Issues: If test results show contaminant levels that exceed safe thresholds, immediate corrective actions must be taken, including retesting to ensure remediation is successful. 

What are the Testing Requirements?

Testing Locations: Water outlets in common areas and spaces primarily intended for human consumption, such as drinking fountains and kitchenettes, need to be tested. Showers and health units in the building have additional specific requirements for testing both hot and cold water. 

Sample Size: A minimum of 10% of the building’s water outlets must be tested. If the building has fewer outlets, at least five outlets should be tested. Showers and other designated points of use require specific sampling. 

How Many Samples Are Required? 

• Showers: If applicable, collect at least one sample for every three shower fixtures. 
• Child Care Centers: Test all water outlets designed for human consumption. Use hot water when available or cold water if hot water is not present. 
• Health Units: Test all water outlets for human consumption, focusing on hot water. If hot water is unavailable, cold water must be tested. 
• Other Use Facilities: The greater of 5 outlets or 10% of leased and common area drinking water outlets designed for human consumption. 

How Much Does It Cost? 

The cost of testing depends on the number of samples and the type of contaminants being tested. Here’s a breakdown: 

• CDC Legionella Sample: $1,603.00 

• Domestic Water Samples: 7 samples at $229.00 each 

• Drinking Water Test – Heterotrophic Plate Count: $560.00 (7 samples at $80.00 each) 

• E. coli Water Analysis: $686.00 (7 samples at $98.00 each) 

• Copper Water Analysis: $560.00 (7 samples at $80.00 each) 

• Lead Water Analysis: $560.00 (7 samples at $80.00 each) 

The total cost will vary based on the building’s size and the number of samples required, but for a standard building, expect the testing to cost $3,500 or more. 

Why Choose FLWPS?

Florida Water Process Services (FLWPS) is ASSE 12080 certified, meaning we meet the highest industry standards for water quality testing. We provide all necessary testing required by the GSA, including lead, copper, total coliform, and Legionella assessments. With our certified professionals, we ensure your building meets the latest federal guidelines efficiently and within budget. 

If you manage a building leased to a government agency, contact FLWPS today to schedule your water quality testing and ensure compliance with these new regulations. 

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