Legionella Water Testing
Legionella Bacteria and Legionnaires' Disease
Proactive Legionella Management: Staying Ahead of Waterborne Risks
Legionella is a serious and potentially fatal disease. Simple inhalation of contaminated water aerosols containing Legionella bacterium from contaminated systems can cause infection leading to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia, and Pontiac fever, a milder respiratory infection. Symptoms are very similar to the signs from typical pneumonia, but can turn fatal in under 3 days, which is often too late.
ARRANGE A FREE CONSULTATIONThe Public Works and Government Services Canada has outlined clear guidelines for Legionella testing, in MD 15161 – 2013 Control of Legionella in Mechanical Systems, for Federal Buildings.
3.5.6 Cooling Tower and Evaporative Condenser
While the system is in normal operation, perform monthly Legionella bacteria culture tests to identify total Legionella pneumophila including all serogroups (LPTOT) bacteria levels.
4.4.6 Open Water Systems
While the system is in normal operation, every two months perform Legionella bacteria culture tests to identify total Legionella pneumophila including all serogroups (LPTOT) bacteria levels.
5.3.9 HVAC Systems and Components
While the system is in normal operation, every three months perform Legionella bacteria culture tests on non-steam systems, to identify total Legionella pneumophila including all serogroups (LPTOT) bacteria levels.
6.4.20 Domestic Water Systems and Hot Water Systems
Perform Legionella bacteria culture tests to identify total Legionella pneumophila including all serogroups (LPTOT) bacteria levels
6.4.20.1 Every six months for most remote shower facilities
6.4.20.2 Annually, at the most remote fixture, for systems with a storage temperature below 50° C that serve multiple areas in a building and are not connected to showers
Legionella bacteria thrive in water temperatures between 25°C and 45°C. Meaning your cooling towers, showers, decorative fountains, and jacuzzis are ideal breeding grounds for Legionella bacteria. For this reason, regular testing is always best practice, to minimize the risk for occupant, resident and client exposure.
Legionella bacteria thrives in warm water, and is quite resilient, making cooling towers, hot water tanks, hot tubs, showers, and large plumbing systems particularly vulnerable areas in commercial settings. HVAC systems, decorative fountains, and even stagnant water in unused or infrequently occupied spaces pose potential risks.
Legionella bacteria, when present in water systems, can pose significant health risks, particularly in enclosed environments where occupants are in close proximity. Cooling towers, HVAC systems, and hot water tanks provide ideal conditions for Legionella growth, as they often maintain temperatures favorable to bacterial proliferation.
In summary, testing for Legionella in various water systems within commercial buildings is essential to protect occupant health, ensure legal compliance, implement preventive measures, maintain system integrity, and uphold the reputation of the property. Regular testing is a proactive approach that contributes to the overall safety and well-being of everyone within the commercial space.
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