How to Best Control Legionella? A Multi-Barrier Strategy for Effective Legionella Mitigation and Prevention of Legionnaires Disease

Legionella poses a significant risk to water systems in built environments. Just performing Legionella testing is not enough. Combatting its growth and spread requires a strategic, multi-faceted approach. The integrated Legionella control strategy employed by Legionella Control Systems utilizes a multi-barrier approach with multiple methods to safeguard against Legionella growth, each playing a crucial role in ensuring water system safety.

Point of Entry (POE) and Point of Use Filters (POU): The First Line of Defense

POU Filters on showerheads and sinks serve as an immediate line of defense, capturing bacteria before it reaches the user. These are the best line of defense for hard to kill bacteria like Nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM). Point of Entry (POE) filters remove food sources for Legionella as well as larger bacterial pathogens. These filters systems can also be designed to remove incoming Legionella. In high-risk environments like healthcare facilities, these filter and UV systems provide critical protection. However, while offering immediate benefits, they are not a standalone solution.

Chemical Intervention with Mixed Oxidants: Power Treatment for Biofilm

Mixed oxidants and other chemical systems such as monochloramines, Chlorine Dioxide and Copper Silver Ionization (CSI) play a pivotal role in penetrating and eradicating biofilms within plumbing systems. Biofilms are a primary habitat for Legionella where 90% of pathogens can be found. These biofilms offer protection and a breeding ground for Legionella and other pathogens. By disrupting these biofilms, these chemical solutions cut off a key survival mechanism for the bacteria, significantly reducing the risk of its proliferation.

Ultraviolet (UV) Light Treatment: Proactive and Preventive

The integration of UV light treatment at the water source is a proactive measure in Legionella control. By exposing incoming water to UV light, Legionella and other bacteria are neutralized before they even enter the building’s plumbing system. This non-chemical approach is especially effective when pairing it with a POE filtration system by ensuring the initial water quality is of the highest standard.

Auto-Flushing and Balancing Systems: Addressing Water Stagnation and Temperature

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for Legionella. Auto-flushing and balancing systems in buildings, particularly in areas with low usage, ensure that water does not remain static in pipes and remains at the correct temperatures. Constant movement of water and temperature management are key in preventing the conditions that Legionella requires to grow.

Temperature and Flow Management: Critical Control Points

Managing the temperature and flow of water is a cornerstone in Legionella prevention. High water temperatures, typically above 60°C (140°F), are detrimental to Legionella. Concurrently, ensuring consistent water flow prevents stagnation, further mitigating the risk. This balance is critical in creating an inhospitable environment for Legionella.

Risk Assessment: Customized and Comprehensive Analysis

The cornerstone of the multi-barrier approach is a thorough, Independent risk assessment from a third party. This involves a detailed examination of the building’s plumbing system to identify potential risk factors for Legionella growth. By understanding these unique risks, targeted control measures can be implemented, ensuring a comprehensive defense against Legionella.

Implementing a multi-barrier approach in Legionella mitigation in combination with Legionella testing is essential for maintaining safe water systems. This strategy, encompassing both immediate and long-term solutions, ensures a robust defense against Legionella, safeguarding public health and the integrity of water systems. Learn more about how this integrated Legionella prevention strategy from Legionella Control Systems can protect your building occupants and reduce your Legionella liability. Contact us today.