Legionella Remediation: Monochloramines Versus Superheat & Flush and Hyperchlorination

If you had Legionella testing that indicated the presence of this dangerous bacteria, your water management plan should indicate that a Legionella risk assessment and potentially a remediation are your next steps.

The Legionella remediation methods of superheat & flush and hyperchlorination are often recommended by companies with insufficient expertise in Legionella. However, monochloramines offer a more effective, less disruptive solution for Legionella control. To understand why, examine the characteristics of each approach.

Super Heat & Flush

This method of Legionella remediation involves raising water temperatures to 160°F and flushing the system for several minutes. While effective at killing Legionella, it usually is not effective in removing biofilm. This approach necessitates evacuating the building to avoid scalding hazards. The process is labor-intensive and can also lead to thermal damage in pipes, reducing their lifespan, increasing risks of biofilm growth and increasing maintenance costs. Lastly, when water is retested for Legionella in two to three months, there is often a rebound effect and Legionella and biofilm grown back worse than prior to the heat and flush.

Hyperchlorination

Remediation with Hyperchlorination introduces high levels of chlorine into the water system to disinfect and kill Legionella. This method requires the building to be vacated due to the potential health risks associated with high chlorine exposure. Additionally, the aggressive nature of chlorine can corrode plumbing systems, leading to leaks and expensive repairs. If the plumbing is damaged, it can lead to higher biofilm growth as well. Studies have also found a rebound effect in which the Legionella count drops initially when the water is tested but then rises again when Legionella is tested two to three months later, often at a higher level. This occurs because the biofilm, a protective layer where Legionella resides, is disturbed but very rarely completely destroyed by hyperchlorination.

Monochloramines

Monochloramines are formed by combining chlorine and ammonia in a controlled reaction. They have been used as a disinfectant in municipal water supplies for decades due to their stability and long-lasting disinfectant properties.

Monochloramines offer several advantages versus both superheat & flush and hyperchlorination for Legionella Remediation:

• Continuous Disinfection: Monochloramines provide ongoing disinfection, maintaining residual levels throughout the water system for two to four weeks. This continuous presence prevents Legionella from re-establishing, offering a long-term solution compared to the temporary effects of superheat & flush or hyperchlorination.
• No Evacuation Required: Unlike traditional methods, using monochloramines does not require evacuating the building. The introduction of monochloramines can be managed at safe levels that do not pose health risks to occupants. This makes it an ideal solution for hospitals, hotels, long-term care, correctional institutions and residential buildings where continuous occupancy is essential.
• Gentle on Plumbing: Monochloramines are less corrosive than chlorine used in hyperchlorination. This gentler approach reduces the risk of pipe damage, leaks, and the associated maintenance costs. By preserving the integrity of the plumbing system, monochloramines offer a cost-effective alternative to more aggressive treatments.
• Effective Against Biofilms: Legionella bacteria often reside in biofilms, which are protective layers that form on the interior surfaces of pipes. Monochloramines can penetrate these biofilms more effectively than chlorine or heat, ensuring a more thorough eradication of the bacteria and biofilm.
• Safe for Occupants: Monochloramines have been extensively studied and are recognized as a safe and effective disinfectant by health authorities such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They are used in drinking water systems across the United States due to their reliability and safety.

Work with an Independent Expert

Implementing monochloramine treatment does require expertise, so you should contact Legionella Control Systems to ensure optimal results and safety. Legionella Control Systems is a truly independent Legionella expert so you can have confidence that you’re getting the best value and effectiveness.

In addition, regular monitoring of monochloramine levels is essential to maintaining their effectiveness and ensuring water quality. Legionella Control Systems can assist with this as well, as they work as partners, not just suppliers.

Finally, while monochloramines are safer for building occupants, proper safety protocols should still be followed including training maintenance staff and ensuring that all systems are functioning correctly. Legionella Control Systems can provide training and ongoing consulting to give you peace of mind.
Using monochloramines for Legionella remediation offers a safer, more effective alternative to traditional methods like superheat & flush and hyperchlorination.

Contact Legionella Control Systems right now to learn more about Legionella remediation, testing, water management plans, and risk assessments.