Legionella Control – What Can We Learn from Bacteria Control in Lab Settings

In laboratory environments, clean water isn’t optional — it’s essential. Every experiment, instrument, and regulatory requirement depends on preventing microbial contamination and maintaining system integrity. Laboratories achieve this through precision engineering: closed-loop systems, controlled temperatures, high-purity materials, and rigorous monitoring that leaves little opportunity for bacteria to thrive.

Some of there same design philosophies can be applied to potable-water systems in healthcare and other high-risk facilities like long-term care and correctional facilities. At Legionella Control Systems, we use our knowledge of laboratory-grade water management into real-world building plumbing — applying clean-water principles such as flow control, material selection, and continuous quality verification to minimize stagnation, maintain disinfectant stability, and limit biofilm growth. By adapting these proven clean-water strategies, facilities can move from reactive Legionella remediation to proactive, engineered prevention.

How We Keep Lab and Sterile Processing Water Systems Clean

Here are some of the key strategies we use to maintain high-quality, bacteria-free water:

• Ultra-conditioned water
• High-quality piping materials
• Continuous return loop (3–5 fps flow rate)
• Constant water polishing
• Minimal storage areas
• Short dead legs
• Around-the-clock monitoring
• Regular water testing and sanitization

By combining these methods, we create systems that stay clean and compliant — with less downtime and fewer surprises.

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From Lab Lessons to Legionella Control

In Switzerland and many parts of Europe, Legionella control emphasizes proactive engineering rather than reactive treatment. Their strategies focus on plumbing design, material selection, and precise temperature control to minimize conditions favorable for bacterial growth. For example, European standards often require looped hot-water systems with consistent velocity and minimal stagnation, as well as higher storage and return temperatures maintained through system balancing and monitoring. Facilities in the United States can learn from these methodologies by integrating similar design principles—such as maintaining temperature stratification control, eliminating dead legs, and selecting materials less prone to biofilm formation—to improve bacterial mitigation and reduce long-term operational risks.

Our Approach to Legionella Control:

• Stainless steel hot water piping
• Hot water supply maintained at 140°F (60°C)
• Minimum return temperature of 131°F (55°C)
• Outlets kept at ≥122°F (50°C)
• Continuous recirculation (3–5 fps flow)
• Short dead legs
• Ongoing monitoring in high-risk buildings

Our goal is simple — to apply what works best in the lab world to real-world facilities, giving you long-term protection and peace of mind.

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If you don’t have an active water management program or it has not been updated recently, it is important that you contact Legionella Control Systems right away for advice on your next steps. As a truly independent Legionella control company, Legionella Control Systems can help you find the best, most cost-effective Legionella solution.

We can also help you with your Legionella risk assessment, Legionella testing, Legionella remediation, and everything else you need to control Legionella.  Contact a Legionella Control Systems expert now.