Does your Atlanta small business have a closed-loop heating or cooling system? If so, then you might have a tendency to forget about the maintenance of its internal components. Closed-loop systems are at high risk for developing dangerous bacterial contamination, especially if the system has ever malfunctioned – even for less than an hour.
Bacterial Contamination in Small Business Systems
Bacterial contamination anywhere in your Snellville area small business is nothing to be ignored, but closed-water loops tend to get forgotten; they’re used every day, but few people are aware of these systems’ presence. There are a couple of different types of contamination, and there are also algal contaminations that can occur. For the purposes of this article, we will be taking a look at common bacterial contaminations.
Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas is a rod-shaped bacterium with flagella to help it move through water with ease. While pseudomonas is normally found in water, it can also be found in the soil and on plants. When pseudomonas gets into your closed-loop water system, it can be a source of contamination for other water-fed areas in your small business. Since pseudomonas can be dangerous to humans, it’s incredibly important that you don’t let an overgrowth get out of hand.
Legionella
Another pathogenic bacteria, legionella bacteria is a rod-shaped bacterium with a single flagellum that it uses to propel itself through liquids. Just like pseudomonas, legionella can be found in the natural environment. However, legionella doesn’t usually cause a problem until it reaches the overgrowth stage. At this point, it can cause pneumonia-like symptoms and even death.
Top Three Signs Your Water Might Be Contaminated
Foul Smell
Much like a stagnant pool of water, blocked closed-loop water systems are subject to bacterial buildup. In order for your water to stay clean and sterile, there must be a constant flow – much like a stream in nature. If the water within your system smells bad, it’s a good sign that it may be time for you to schedule an inspection and cleaning.
Strange Color
Water within a closed-loop system may not be crystal clear, and that’s fine. Water tends to pick up sediment, metallic pieces, and other colorful bits along the way. However, if your closed-loop water is a vibrant color like pink, yellow, orange, or green, something is probably amiss.
Cloudiness
If you take a sample from your closed-loop system and it isn’t completely transparent, you’ve got a problem. Bacterial overgrowth will cause a cloudy, milky appearance in the water. Combined with a foul smell and strange color, you’ll definitely know that your water needs to be treated.
Closed-Loop Water Testing in Atlanta and Snellville
When was the last time your closed-loop water was tested? Depending on the type of maintenance system you have in place, you might need to test your water as often as every couple of weeks. However, closed-loop heating and cooling lines tend to get forgotten, leading to costly and dangerous bacterial buildups. Water treatment is one of the many services we provide, so don’t forget about your closed-loop. Contact the team of professionals at Hydroserve Technologies today!