The WMP should be a detailed written document that describes a comprehensive set of policies and procedures a facility will use to reduce the risk of growth and spread of Legionella and other opportunistic pathogens within its building water system(s) and other devices at high risk for Legionella growth and spread. Each WMP should be building-specific and describe processes and procedures for seven (7) key elements in accordance with ASHRAE 188 (1) and the CDC WMP Toolkit Legionella: Developing a Water Management Program (2).

The following evaluation tool provides a standardized approach to determine if a facility’s WMP sufficiently comports with the seven (7) key elements of ASHRAE Standard 188 and the CDC WMP Toolkit. The evaluation is structured to yield either a “Sufficient” or “Insufficient” determination from a rubric-based scoring system.

There are eight separate sections to score, and each section is given a section point value of either “0” or “1”, which is created using the section’s total sub-section points. A WMP can generate a maximum total of seven section points. NOTE: Section 3 will not generate a section point since it only references one of the nine criteria, and no questions are associated with the criterion.

The sum of the total possible section points and the criteria points will provide a plan’s final score and determination (sufficient or insufficient). Sixteen is the maximum score a facility’s WMP can produce. A score <8 represents an insufficient final determination.

This tool is developed with a specific focus on Legionella consistent with ASHRAE Standard 188, however, it is important for buildings to consider an all-hazards approach to water management. ASHARE Standard 514 provides recommendations for physical, chemical, and microbial hazards other than Legionella.