Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria that is found in water sources. It can multiply to dangerous levels under certain conditions and cause Legionnaire’s disease. People can contact the disease by inhaling small droplets of contaminated water through mist or vapour. It is said that people with a weakened immune system or underlying illness are most vulnerable to legionella infection. However, anyone can be at risk of contracting the disease.

Thus, it is extremely important to get your water facility treated from time to time to prevent legionella. You can hire reputed legionella control services in your area for effective water treatment. 

There are many elements that promote the growth of legionella bacteria in the water supply system.

• Excessive water age

The longer the water remains in a system or piping, the greater the chances of pathogen growth in the water.

• Biofilm

When biofilm created by bacteria is formed in the inside walls of water supply piping, it protects legionella from heat and disinfectant.

• Lukewarm water

Legionella growth is enabled by lukewarm water temperatures in the range of 77 to 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Dead legs

It is caused by no flow or rare flow of water in pipes.

• Insufficient disinfectant

Effective water disinfectant strategies are required for controlling legionella in any water system.

• Inadequate corrosion control

Corrosion can occur in system pipes, depending on water quality variables, including disinfectant used water, temperature, and pH levels. Improper corrosion control can create an ideal environment for legionella growth.

• Cross connections

Cross connections between potable and non-potable water can introduce legionella into the potable water supply system. 

A cooling tower and an effective water treatment program are crucial for any water facility. Preventing the growth of legionella helps to stop the spread of legionella disease. When bacteria are detected in the water, ignoring the issue is never an option. The treatment of cooling towers and water is not difficult. With the right expert advice and professionals, you need not worry about the treatment at all. 

There are different methods for the treatment of your water system. A program for good maintenance of cooling towers is the right method for preventing legionella. It should include a risk assessment of each of the water systems along with the development of standard operating procedures and a written maintenance plan. 

When your water testing results show the presence of legionella, a water treatment remediation program is recommended to prevent further growth. This can consist of hyperchlorination treatment. The treatment is done by introducing chlorinated salts to the water system for raising chlorine levels. The process takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the system. 

The treatment should only be carried out by qualified professionals who can supervise the chlorine concentrations and pH to make sure they are maintained at the correct disinfection level. 

For warm water systems or water distribution systems, a superheat and flush are considered the most effective short-term solutions if there is an outbreak of the bacteria. Again, it is of utmost importance that a qualified vendor performs the process. This is because the flush duration should be monitored and documented to make sure that it is performed efficiently. 

You must connect with professionals and get your water facility inspected from time to time. This will help in preventing the growth of bacteria and the risk of disease. When choosing a legionella disinfection service, make sure you choose a company with experienced and knowledgeable technicians so that you can rest assured about their services. Trust only reputed company in your area with water treatment services as this is something you can’t take chances with.