Legionella Removal from Water

UV water sterilization system for legionella bacteria control

Understanding the Legionella Contaminant

Legionella is a pathogenic bacterium commonly found in freshwater environments. It poses significant health risks when inhaled through water droplets, potentially leading to Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Contaminated water systems in buildings, including cooling towers, showers, and faucets, can harbor Legionella, making proper treatment essential to prevent outbreaks.

Solutions for Removal

  • UV Disinfection: Destroys Legionella bacteria using ultraviolet light.
  • Chlorination: Employs chlorine to kill and control bacterial growth.
  • Copper-Silver Ionization: Releases ions that disrupt bacterial cell walls, preventing Legionella proliferation.
  • Thermal Treatment: Involves raising water temperatures to lethal levels for Legionella.

Applications

Legionella removal is vital in hospitals, hotels, office buildings, and other facilities where water systems are prone to bacterial growth.

Benefits of Removal

  • Prevents Legionnaires' disease outbreaks
  • Ensures compliance with health regulations
  • Protects public health and safety

Mueller Water Solutions

Mueller Water offers customized Legionella removal systems, including UV disinfection, chlorination, and copper-silver ionization, tailored to your facility's needs.

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For effective Legionella control, contact Mueller Water today. Our team is ready to provide solutions that ensure the safety and quality of your water systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Legionella and how does it spread?
Legionella is a pathogenic bacterium that thrives in warm freshwater environments — cooling towers, hot water tanks, decorative fountains, large plumbing systems, and shower fixtures. It spreads when contaminated water droplets are inhaled, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. The bacteria don't spread person-to-person; the risk comes from aerosolized water.
Which buildings are most at risk for Legionella?
Large buildings with complex water systems are highest risk: hospitals, hotels, office buildings, nursing homes, gyms with hot tubs, and any facility with cooling towers. Stagnant water, water temperatures between 77 and 108°F, scale and biofilm in plumbing, and infrequently used fixtures all promote Legionella growth.
How do you treat Legionella in a building water system?
Four primary control methods: UV disinfection (ultraviolet light destroys Legionella), chlorination (chlorine kills bacteria and prevents regrowth), copper-silver ionization (metal ions disrupt bacterial cell walls and prevent biofilm), and thermal treatment (raising water temperature above 140°F kills the bacteria). For most facilities a layered approach combines two methods — for example, UV at point-of-entry plus thermal control in storage tanks.
Are Legionella controls required by law?
Requirements vary by state and facility type. Healthcare facilities must comply with CDC and Joint Commission water management requirements; CMS requires water management programs in nursing homes and hospitals. New York and several other states have specific Legionella regulations for cooling towers. ASHRAE Standard 188 is widely referenced as the framework for building water management plans.
How often should Legionella controls be tested?
Cooling towers typically require monthly Legionella testing during operating season. Building hot water systems should be tested quarterly at minimum, more frequently if the system has had positive results in the past. Mueller Water includes monitoring as part of our Legionella control service program.

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