PLUMBING UPGRADE FOR LEGIONELLA PREVENTION

Nov 11

Purpose

Renovation of plumbing systems for Legionella prevention at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. The project upgraded existing domestic water systems to eliminate stagnant water and improve water quality across 11 patient care wards. Work included removing dead legs, installing new recirculation lines with balance valves, adding thermostatic mixing valves, and integrating new water quality monitoring systems. Asbestos abatement and limited architectural restoration were also performed to support the modernization of the hospital’s infrastructure.

Project Challenges

Operational Environment: All work took place within an active hospital, requiring night-shift scheduling, patient relocations, and strict noise and infection-control procedures to minimize disruption to care.

Aging Infrastructure: The project team navigated decades-old plumbing systems that had been modified over the hospital’s 70-year history, requiring detailed investigation and creative coordination to identify and remove cross-connections within the water system.

Complex Coordination: The Richard team worked closely with VA staff and subcontractors to manage access, safety, and sequencing across multiple occupied care wards, ensuring continuous operation throughout construction.

Project outcome

Ahead of Schedule: Completed 11 months before the contractual deadline through proactive planning, collaboration, and efficient night-shift execution.

Improved Safety: The upgraded systems now ensure clean, safe, and reliable water for veterans and staff, supporting long-term Legionella prevention and patient safety.

Collaborative Success: Strong relationships built between Richard, the VA, and project partners created a culture of trust, communication, and shared purpose that drove the project’s success.