About The Facility
A three-story, skilled nursing facility located in New Jersey. The facility hosts 180 beds. This facility was acquired December 1, 2021.
The Problem
The corporation acquired the facility on December 1. Just seven days later, the New Jersey Department of Health notified the new owners of a confirmed Legionnaires’ disease case from the prior month. The previous owners had ignored the issue, forcing the new administration into the middle of an active investigation and immediate Legionella-related repercussions.
IWC's Approach
IWC Innovations was immediately engaged to address the active Legionella investigation and replace the facility’s inadequate water management program. IWC worked directly with the New Jersey Department of Health to assess risk, expand the exposure analysis, and develop a customized, compliant water management plan. This included implementing routine water testing, recommending targeted filtration, and establishing clear control limits and corrective actions. Based on IWC’s data-driven approach, the Department of Health approved delaying full remediation unless elevated Legionella levels were confirmed, protecting occupant safety while avoiding unnecessary costs and reducing future risk.
The Results
DOH-approved compliance: Successfully navigated an active Legionella investigation with full New Jersey Department of Health approval.
Cost savings achieved: Avoided unnecessary remediation, saving tens of thousands of dollars through a data-driven approach.
Long-term risk reduction: Implemented a comprehensive water management program to prevent future Legionella exposure and protect the facility’s reputation.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates the critical importance of having an experienced water management partner when facing a Legionella risk. IWC Innovations’ rapid response, regulatory expertise, and data-driven approach allowed new ownership to navigate an active Department of Health investigation, avoid unnecessary remediation costs, and implement a long-term Legionella prevention strategy. By replacing an inadequate legacy program with a comprehensive, compliant water management plan, IWC protected occupant health, minimized financial and reputational risk, and positioned the facility for sustained water safety moving forward.
