Real World vs Lab Environment Impact on Temperature Ranges for Legionella Growth

According to ASPE, the common temperature ranges for Legionella growth are mostly relevant in a lab settings. The studies that have been done were carried out in laboratory settings. In the real world, Legionella find environments that are much more conducive to to growth due to scaling, biofilm, and aging pipes. ASPE suggests some new temperatures ranges below that are much different than the ones that have become standard from the lab studies.

Legionella Growth vs Temperature in Real Plumbing Systems

Theoretical Values According to ASPE

Legionella Growth vs Temperature in Lab Setting

Values Tested in a Lab Setting