Ohio Legionella Requirements

Water Management Plans That Actually Prevent Legionella 

Legionella can grow in building water systems. People can get sick when tiny water droplets get into the air—like from showers, sinks, fountains, cooling towers, or therapy spas. Ohio requires certain facilities to have a Water Management Program to lower this risk.

About Testing (What the Law Is Pushing)

The law ties programs to sampling/testing, including testing for Legionella pneumophila, and expects sampling/testing to match DOH rules and best practices. 

Ohio’s Rules Focus on Two Main Groups:

Add Your Heading Text Here

Hospitals

Ohio Administrative Code 3701-22-07 applies to hospitals. 

Add Your Heading Text Here

Assisted Living

Ohio Administrative Code 3701-16-12 applies to residential care facilities. 

ChemREADY Water Safety & Management Plans

A Water Management Plan is a living document that defines your building-specific risks, control limits, monitoring routines, and exactly what to do when limits are out of range. We help you build it correctly, then help you run it. 

What This Means for Facilities

Hospital Requirements

Hospitals in Ohio must maintain a Water Management Program that identifies hazardous conditions and controls the risk of waterborne pathogens, including Legionella. The rule requires validation testing using a representative set of samples from potable water loops and other risk-associated systems such as cooling towers, therapy spas, and decorative fountains. Hospitals must follow procedures for investigations, environmental assessments, and coordination steps outlined in the rule.If you’re unsure whether your building is covered, a quick system review is the safest starting point.

Residential Care Facility Requirements

Residential care and assisted living facilities must establish and maintain a working Water Management Program to identify hazardous water conditions and control the risk of waterborne pathogens. Ohio points these facilities to CDC and infection control guidance for building and operating the program. These facilities must have a real, functioning Legionella water management program—not just notes or intentions.

What a Water Management Program Includes

A Water Management Program (WMP) is a written plan your team can follow. A strong WMP defines responsibilities, lists all included systems, and identifies where Legionella may grow—such as warm areas, low-flow zones, dead legs, or scale and biofilm locations. It also outlines control measures (temperature, disinfectants, flushing, cleaning), monitoring steps and frequency, corrective actions when readings are out of range, and how to document compliance.

Key Compliance Dates

Ohio’s rule for Residential Care Facilities (OAC 3701-16-12) is effective July 12, 2024.
The rule for Hospitals (OAC 3701-22-07) is effective September 14, 2024.
Facilities must have their Water Management Programs implemented according to these timelines.

What ChemREADY Recommends

If you manage a hospitalresidential care, or assisted living facility in Ohio: 

How it Works

Do a risk assessment

Find the real risk points in your building (hot water loop issues, low-use wings, aerosol sources). 

Turn it into a clear routine your team can follow. 

Choose sample points that represent the system and track results over time (so you can spot drift early). 

So when leadership, surveyors, or health officials ask “show me,” you can. 

ChemREADY supports Ohio facilities with:

  • Water Management Programs (WMPs) 
  • Legionella risk assessments 
  • Testing strategy + coordination support 
  • Corrective action / remediation support 
  • Ongoing consulting to keep the program consistent 

NSF Certified Chemicals

Our formulations meet NSF safety standards to protect your people and your equipment.

50+ Years of Expertise

Backed by decades of industry experience and a proven track record of results.

Regional Expertise

Serving facilities across the midwest with responsive, local water treatment support.

Want to know what applies to your Ohio facility?

Tell us what type of facility you manage (hospital or residential care) and what water systems you have (hot water loop, cooling tower, therapy spa, fountains, etc.). We’ll recommend the best first step.

Our Services

Water Safety and Management Plans

Protect occupants and stay compliant with a customized Water Safety and Management Plan. Our programs identify risks, establish controls, and help you meet current Legionella guidance and standards.

Testing Services

Accurate testing is critical for proactive water management. You can rely on our Legionella and water quality testing services to support compliance, documentation, and corrective action planning.

Risk Assessments

Understand where risks exist before they become problems. Our Legionella risk assessments evaluate your building systems and provide clear recommendations to reduce exposure and liability.

Connect With ChemREADY

Let's Have A Chat