Chris Nancrede, EIT, ASSE 12080

Chris Nancrede, EIT, ASSE 12080, is widely regarded as a leading expert in Legionella prevention and waterborne pathogen management. He is also the inventor and patent holder of a high-efficiency water softening system engineered to help reduce conditions that support Legionella growth. With more than 15 years of experience investigating and correcting Legionella-related issues in complex building water systems, Chris has developed deep expertise in both remediation and long-term prevention strategies.

As a mechanical engineer and the founder and president of Legionella Control Systems, Inc., Chris leads a firm focused exclusively on the control and prevention of waterborne pathogens such as Legionella, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Pseudomonas, and similar organisms. His extensive background in industrial water treatment, purification technologies, and engineered system design provides a strong foundation in both chemical and non-chemical treatment approaches. He is frequently called upon to address difficult water system challenges that other consultants and firms have been unable to resolve.

Legionella Control Systems was intentionally established as an independent consulting company without affiliations to proprietary treatment products or manufacturers. This allows Chris to provide unbiased, engineering-driven recommendations tailored to the specific needs of each facility instead of promoting predetermined product solutions. As the lead engineer on every project, he oversees site evaluations, water management planning, Legionella testing programs, and mitigation strategies with an emphasis on practical, facility-specific outcomes.

Chris and his team have supported a wide range of organizations across the country, including Fortune 500 companies such as Anheuser-Busch, Chrysler, Ford, PepsiCo, Eli Lilly, and Roche. His experience also includes healthcare organizations such as VA Hospitals, Northwestern Medicine, and IU Health, along with senior care providers including Little Sisters of the Poor. This broad experience working within highly demanding and complex water systems has helped establish Chris as a trusted authority in Legionella control and water safety management.

Education

MBA, Finance and IT
Vanderbilt University – Owen Graduate School of Management
1999 – 2001

Engineer’s Degree, Mechanical Engineering
1991 – 1995

Registrations

Engineer in Training (EIT) – 1995
ASSE 12080

Patent holder: high-efficiency water softener to reduce Legionella proliferation

Select Project Examples

Northwestern Health
Chicago, Illinois
Onsite Risk Assessment
Automatic Flushing Systems

Ness Hospital
Ness City, Kentucky
Legionella Risk Assessment
Water Management Plan Creation
Legionella Remediation
Ongoing Legionalla Testing

Large Hospital
Las Vegas, Nevada
Onsite Risk Assessment
Designed Ultrapure Water Systems

Large Correction Facility
Indianapolis, Indiana
Onsite Risk Assessment
Initiated Water Management Program
Conducted Validation Tests
Implemented Disinfection System
Maintained Filtered Shower Heads

Condominium / Commercial Complex
Vail, Colorado
Onsite Risk Assessment
Water Management Plan Creation
Legionella Remediation
Ongoing Legionalla Testing

IU Health
Indianapolis, IN
Designed Water Softener Systems ($4B Hosptial Project)

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“Chris is exceptional. I had him evaluate our current water management plan and its control measures, and he pinpointed key refinements that improved our Legionella control results.”

Kurt Skipper,
Facilities Director at Northwestern Medicine, CDH

“I have known Chris for several years. When I faced a problem that could not be solved, he stepped in and helped us to find a solution. Thanks to his expertise and experience, we installed a system that helped our water treatment program and gave us outstanding results. As a result of the proven performance, we are now installing this system in other locations. Chris is someone you should turn to when you need an answer that is not easily found.”

Michael J. Schoewe,
Director of Facilities, Palos Hospital / South Region

“When I was the CEO of a long-term/acute care facility, we sought Chris’s evaluation and recommendations for addressing a critical situation. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the best minds in healthcare engineering, and Chris’s in-depth expertise in Legionella control best practices instilled me with confidence. He proposed an innovative solution that safeguarded our patients while simultaneously minimizing risks to our staff and the facility. Even if you have a well-thought-out plan in mind, I highly recommend consulting Chris. His fresh and cutting-edge insights will provide you with peace of mind, ensuring that you’re making the right decision.”

Aaron Kuehn,
Former CEO at Ness County Hospital

“I first met Chris when he helped us design a large softener and brine system at a VA facility a few years ago. Initially, I was impressed by his extensive knowledge of water systems. However, I later discovered that his expertise stems from his third-generation lineage as a water system expert. Since then, I have consistently sought Chris’s professional advice and insights on water systems and Legionella control. I firmly believe that success lies in building a network of knowledgeable individuals, and Chris is one of those exceptional minds you should tap into for anything related to water, especially when it comes to Legionella. His expertise will lead you to success.”

Andy Myers, PE,
Senior Partner, CMTA

Frequently Asked Questions

By Chris Nancrede. Last Updated: May 22, 2026