Make Sure Disinfectant Amounts Are Right

When there is a reduction in disinfectant levels in your building water systems, Legionella can grow. In some buildings, processes such as heating, storing, and filtering can reduce the amount of available disinfectant, allowing Legionella to grow if steps are not taken to stop it. Your building water supply may need long-term supplemental disinfectants added to the water to boost the level of disinfectant and help limit Legionella growth. Examples of disinfectants include chlorine, mono-chloramine, chlorine dioxide, ultraviolet light, and ozone. 

Make Sure Water Temperatures Are Right

Legionella grows best within a certain temperature range (77°F-108°F). To keep water outside the range for Legionella growth, it is important to keep cold water cold and keep hot water hot.

Prevent Stagnation

When water does not flow well, the resulting areas of stagnation encourage biofilm growth, reduce water temperatures to levels that allow Legionella to grow, and reduce levels of disinfectant. It is important to understand the flow of water in your building in order to identify areas of risk where water may become stagnant.

Operate and Maintain Equipment

Maintaining and operating your building’s equipment effectively will help prevent biofilm, organic debris, and corrosion from contaminating your water system; all of these provide a habitat and nutrients for Legionella.