Legionella: Microbial Threat Lurking in Your Building's Water Systems

Legionella is a threat in building water systems you may not know exists. 

This bacteria can lurk in showerheads, faucets, cooling towers, plumbing systems, and more, growing unbeknownst to the facilities department. It grows in the building’s water system and spreads through droplets which are then inhaled. The Legionella risk lies dormant until someone from an at-risk population gets exposed, resulting in Legionnaires' disease.

Legionnaires' disease is a severe type of pneumonia that was first discovered from an outbreak at an American Legion meeting where over 200 attendees mysteriously became ill.

History of Legionnaires' Disease - American Legion Meeting of 1976

In 1976, the first case of Legionella was discovered during a conference in Philadelphia. Event attendees stayed at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia for a 3-day conference.

The first victim was Ray Brennan, a 61-year-old veteran. Three days after the conference, he died of an apparent heart attack. Within a few days, 221 attendees were sick, and 34 died from what would come to be known as Legionnaires' disease.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) investigated the incident to identify a cause. Early in the investigation, bioterrorism, foul play, and toxins were on the list of possibilities. However, within five months, the CDC microbiologist Joseph McDade discovered the illnesses were caused by the bacterium Legionella.

What is Legionella?

Legionella bacteria grow in building water systems when they aren't properly maintained. A reduction in disinfecting by chemical, heat, UV, or filtration can result in the growth of this deadly bacteria in potable water.

Legionnaires' disease is caused when people breathe tiny droplets from water systems with higher levels of Legionella bacteria. 

The Legionnaires' Disease Pathogen - How Does it Spread?

Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. However, the bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in building water systems like showerheads and sink faucets. It grows in a building's water system and spreads.

Think of a hotel - you have rainfall showerheads, fountains in the lobby, decorative waterfalls, hot tubs. Each of these elements has tiny water droplets that float into the air. Occupants breathe in the air, and the legionella bacteria go into the lungs.

While many people are healthy enough to fight off the bacteria intrusion, at-risk populations often have a more severe reaction.

• People over 50 years old.
• Smokers
• People with lung disease
• People with weak immune systems (immunocompromised) 
• People with cancer
• People with underlying illness

Legionnaires' Disease Symptoms

If you've ever had pneumonia, the symptoms of Legionnaires' disease will sound familiar.

• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Muscle Aches
• Headaches

As you can see, the symptoms are common for many illnesses, so diagnosing Legionnaires' Disease can be difficult. It takes 2-10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to Legionella. The delay in symptoms often makes diagnosis even more challenging. But, pinpointing exposure to Legionella is vital because if this bacterium is in a buildings' water system, it is likely more victims will surface.

CDC Guidelines to Reduce Legionella in Your Water Systems

The CDC recommends building owners and managers set policies to control legionella bacteria’s growth to prevent Legionnaires’ disease.

• Get a periodic water sample from the buildings' water system and test for Legionella.
• Disinfect potential sources in the water system with chlorine, UV light, or other approved chemicals.
• Maintain proper pH balance.
• Maintain a proper temperature balance.

Legionella is a dangerous bacterium that can live in a building's water system, which means the bacteria poses a public health risk. To prevent Legionnaires' disease and stop it from spreading, building owners should take these necessary steps to control legionella growth in their buildings.

Chicago Faucets' Legionella Recommendations

Chicago Faucets recommends using a multi-treatment solution for Legionella prevention. For buildings with high-risk populations, use at least four preventative measures. We recommend a combination of high heat flush, filters, chemical treatment, and UV-C treatment at the point of use to keep building occupants safe.

Learn more about products Chicago Faucets' has to offer to help prevent   harmful bacteria and assists in protecting your high-risk population.

 Contact us at 847-803-5500 or email us today. 

Greg Hunt Commercial Product Manager

Greg Hunt is a member of the Chicago Faucets Product Team. As the Commercial Product Manager and the guy that brings you all the new amazing Commercial Products, he brings 20 years of global product management and marketing to the team.