Legionella

Legionella bacteria are found naturally in the environment (i.e., aquatic environments) and also are present in distribution systems/plumbing, cooling water towers, etc. Regular monitoring for water quality parameters, such as Legionella can help to ensure that building water systems are operating in a way to minimize hazardous conditions that could facilitate the growth of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Routine environmental sampling for Legionella (i.e., sampling that is performed proactively as part of an effort to reduce risk of Legionella growth and transmission in building water systems) is one way to validate the efficacy of a water management program.

Legionella species are ubiquitously found in nature, primarily in aquatic environments; however, the bacteria can become a health concern when it finds favorable conditions to grow (multiply) and colonize in human-built water systems. CDC investigations of building-associated outbreaks show that the most common places for exposure to the disease are hotels, long-term care facilities, and hospitals. In these types of buildings, the sources for spreading water droplets contaminated with Legionella can include: showers and faucets of large (potable water) plumbing systems; cooling towers; hot tubs; decorative fountains and aerosolizing water features. Legionnaires’ disease (Legionella pneumophila as Serogroup 1 or 2-14) is a serious type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria in water when the contaminated water is inhaled.

Due to the lack of specific regulatory standards in most jurisdictions, guidelines or references developed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), the Association of Water Technologies (AWT), and/or Peer Review guidelines are most often cited as a point of reference. AM H&S conducts sampling and analysis to assist a company or building owner in assessing the water quality of their particular system, using analytical partners accredited by CDC ELITE, New York ELAP, AIHA-LAP LLC, to provide quality consultation services to our clients.