Legionella and Water Management

Within the last several years, federal and state public health organizations have introduced new or enhanced guidance and recommendations regarding building water quality – in large part due to the reopening of buildings that have had lower or no use during the pandemic. Stagnant water can have a significant impact on water quality, including the accumulation of contaminants like lead and growth of waterborne pathogens. If microorganisms are able to proliferate within water systems and components (i.e. hot water heaters, cooling towers) there a greater potential for exposure to pathogenic bacteria leading to illness and, in some cases, death. The emotional, financial and legal impact of these exposures can last for years and consume a considerable amount of resources.

This session will discuss water quality risks related to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens, current public health and regulatory agency guidance for building water systems and provide an overview of practical measures, such as developing a Water Management Program, conducting a site risk assessment, supplementary treatment techniques and validation sampling, that can be taken to prevent problems from occurring.