Plumbing Upgrade for Legionella Prevention
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.
Location
Milwaukee, WI
Owner
Department of Veterans Affairs
Architect
Apogee
Delivery Method
Design-Bid-Build
Project Type
Renovation
Project Challenges
Construction within patient care areas required close coordination with hospital staff to minimize disruption. The team adapted from night work to carefully managed daytime shifts to protect patient rest and recovery.
Decades of overlapping systems and ongoing facility upgrades demanded precise coordination with other contractors to ensure seamless campus-wide system compatibility.
With all work occurring above ceilings, clear communication and documentation were essential to help stakeholders understand the critical progress happening behind the scenes.
Project Outcome
Over 20,000 man-hours completed with zero safety incidents—an achievement made even more significant in an active hospital setting.
Richard Group took the lead in aligning multiple fire alarm projects across the medical campus, setting new standards for system integration and contractor coordination.
The new unified fire alarm network now provides reliable protection, clear maintenance pathways, and a foundation for future upgrades across the facility.
