Potable Water

Potable water systems (sometimes called “premise plumbing”) in buildings are all the pipes, equipment and other components from the point water enters the building to water use end points, such as sink faucets, showers and ice machines. Under certain conditions, the water in the systems—especially in recirculating hot water systems—may support the growth of microbial pathogens, such as Legionella, Pseudomonas and Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM). The water may also contain contaminants, such as lead, copper and disinfection byproducts. Legionella, Pseudomonas and NTM bacteria from potable water systems (and from ice machines and medical equipment that use or are washed with potable water) have been linked to outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease, Pseudomonas pneumonia and NTM infection.