Legionella Growth vs Temperature in Real Plumbing Systems and Lab Settings

For Legionella control, there exist standards for temperature in regards to Legionella growth. See our temperature risk factor page to refer to these values. In our experience we’ve found that these temperature, while helpful, don’t often reflect what we see in real world plumbing systems. A primary reason for this is that these industry standard temperature range resulted in studies that were performed in lab settings.

Real world plumbing systems are much more complex than what is used in lab settings. In the real world, we have to also think about risk factors such as scale & sediment and the condition of the plumbing system.

ASPE has proposed new temperature ranges that better match what is seen in real world plumbing systems. See below for a comparsion between these two sets of temperature ranges.

Legionella Growth vs Temperature in Real Plumbing Systems

Theoretical Values According to ASPE

Legionella Growth vs Temperature in Lab Setting

Automated water flushing and hot water loop control is key solution for Legionella control. Work with Legionella Control Systems to design and install a system that works for your facility. Contact us to speak with a certified engineer who can answer your questions and help you create the best Legionella remediation or mitigation system for your facility and budget.