A well-structured and implemented water management program (WMP) is crucial in controlling Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. Recent research has identified common gaps in water system management that may increase the risk of Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. By understanding these areas and applying proactive solutions, facility teams can strengthen their WMPs and better protect building occupants.
Key findings from recent research
A comprehensive study published in Microorganisms analyzed over 220 Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks and found that nearly 90% of cases were linked to preventable issues within building water systems (Dooling et al., 2021). This study, along with a recent CDC report, highlights areas where water management programs can be improved to better control Legionella growth (CDC, 2024).
The research found that many outbreaks stemmed from a combination of system design flaws, operational lapses, lack of systemic documentation, and insufficient oversight.
Specifically, the following challenges were identified:
- Irregular system maintenance: Routine inspections and preventive maintenance were often overlooked, including flushing of low-use fixtures, cleaning of components, and timely repair of system issues that could lead to bacterial growth.
- Inconsistent water temperatures: Water temperatures that fall within the range of 77°F to 113°F (25°C to 45°C) create an optimal environment for Legionella proliferation.
- Insufficient monitoring of disinfectant levels: The study notes that residual disinfectant levels—whether from municipal supply or supplemental disinfection—were not consistently monitored or maintained at recommended levels, reducing the effectiveness of microbial control.
- Plumbing system designs that encourage bacterial growth: The report highlights issues related to inadequate water flow and stagnation, which are often associated with design features like dead-legs or infrequently used plumbing lines that allow biofilm to develop and persist that provide ideal conditions for Legionella colonization.
- Delays in responding to changes in water quality: Without continuous monitoring or an established action plan, deviations in temperature or disinfectant levels may go uncorrected, increasing the risk of contamination.
Facilities like healthcare institutions, hotels, senior living communities, and large commercial buildings are particularly at risk due to the complexity of their water systems and the presence of vulnerable populations. By recognizing these common challenges, organizations can take meaningful steps to enhance their water safety efforts.
Strengthening water management programs
Effective water management programs require consistent oversight to ensure that all activities are carried out as defined in the plan. When any part of a water management plan is not fully implemented, it may leave building occupants vulnerable to potential health risks and expose building owners to legal and reputational consequences in the event of a disease case or outbreak. The CDC and ASHRAE Standard 188 provide guidance on best practices, and applying these recommendations consistently can help mitigate risks.
Key strategies for strengthening WMPs include:
- Develop and implement effective control measures.
- Conducting routine risk assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities in the water system.
- Regularly monitoring and testing for Legionella and other harmful bacteria.
- Establishing clear response protocols for when water quality parameters fall outside of acceptable ranges.
- Providing ongoing training and education to ensure facility staff remain informed about best practices.
- Improving cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring engineers, maintenance teams, infection prevention specialists, and public health officials work together effectively.
- Working with a qualified consultant to help design, implement, and oversee the water management program, ensuring it meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.
- Investing in water system improvements such as supplemental disinfection, filtration, or system design modifications to reduce stagnation and biofilm buildup.
Strengthen your water management program
A well-maintained and properly executed water management program is one of the most effective ways to prevent Legionnaires’ disease outbreaks. By proactively addressing gaps in water safety protocols, facilities can better protect their occupants and maintain compliance with public health standards. Ensuring the safety of building water systems requires ongoing effort and expertise.
Schedule a consultation with LiquiTech today to learn how our proven solutions can help your facility strengthen its water management program and reduce Legionella risk.
Sources
- Dooling, K.L., Toews, K.A., Hicks, L.A., Garrison, L.E., Bachaus, B., Zansky, S.M., Carpenter, L.R., Schaffner, W., Parker, E., Petit, S., Thomas, A., Smithee, L., Guagliardo, S., Morin, C., Hunter, C., Langley, G., Whitney, C.G., Moore, M.R., & Edelstein, P.H. (2021). Active Bacterial Core Surveillance for Legionnaires’ Disease, United States, 2011–2013. Microorganisms, 9(1), 89. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/1/89
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). Outbreaks of Legionnaires’ Disease and Gaps in Water Management Programs. https://www.cdc.gov/control-legionella/php/data-research/outbreaks-water-management-gaps/index.html
