Prevention
Legionella thrives in warm, stagnant water, such as that found in hot tubs. However, warm temperatures also make it hard to keep disinfectants, such as chlorine, at the levels needed to kill germs like Legionella. Disinfectant and other chemical levels in hot tubs should be checked regularly and hot tubs should be cleaned as recommended by the manufacturer.
Legionella thrives in warm, stagnant water, such as that found in hot tubs.
Water Management Programs
Avoiding water conditions that allow Legionella bacteria to grow to high levels is the best prevention.
Specific preventive measures include:
- Regularly maintain and clean cooling towers and evaporative condensers to prevent Legionella growth. This should include twice-yearly cleaning and periodically using chlorine or another effective biocide.
- Maintain domestic water heaters used in the workplace at 140°F (60°C) and maintain the water temperature at 122°F (50°C) or higher at the faucet.
- Avoid conditions that allow water to stagnate. Unused waters lines should be frequently flushed to help alleviate stagnant water. Large water storage tanks that are exposed to sunlight can produce warm conditions that are favorable to high legionella levels.
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1-5. Where does Legionella grow the best?
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