Cooling tower systems

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 (the Act) requires the owner of the land on which there is a cooling tower system to develop a risk management plan (RMP) to control Legionella growth in cooling towers.

The Act requires all cooling tower systems to be registered with the Department of Health (department) and must be audited annually by an independent auditor.

A penalty applies if you do not register a cooling tower system, develop a RMP and have the RMP audited every year.

Cooling tower systems – registration and notification forms

Information and forms to apply for registration, notify for change of details or notify the decommissioning of a cooling tower system.

Cooling tower systems – registration fees and refunds

A list of prescribed fees for registration of cooling tower systems and information and form for refunds.

Guide to developing cooling tower Risk Management Plans

Information and template to develop risk management plans to control Legionella growth in cooling tower systems.

Auditing the cooling tower risk management plan

The Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008 requires the risk management plan (RMP) be independently audited by an approved auditor every year.

Recycled water and cooling tower systems

With appropriate management controls, alternative water sources can be used to supply or supplement cooling tower systems.

Cooling tower system management during COVID-19 response

Information about managing cooling tower system that has been shut down or not in use for any amount of time. The risk of Legionella growth in cooling towers increases if the system has not been used.

Reviewed 12 April 2021

Health.vic

Contact details

Our phone service is available Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Postal address: GPO Box 4057, Melbourne Vic 3001

Legionella team

Phone 1300 767 469

legionella@health.vic.gov.au