Healthcare Solutions: How to Reduce Waterborne Pathogen Risk
In healthcare settings, it is crucial to take every precaution to ensure patient safety and well-being, including the quality of water used throughout the facility. Waterborne pathogens, commonly present in building water systems, can pose serious health risks, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems. This blog post will delve into common waterborne pathogens, their effects, and the preventive measures necessary to maintain safe water in healthcare environments. Understanding common waterborne pathogens and their impact Waterborne pathogens are microorganisms that thrive in water systems and can cause severe infections. Healthcare facilities, with their complex and extensive water systems, provide an ideal environment for these pathogens to proliferate. The presence of immunocompromised patients and the use of medical devices that rely on water further increase the risk of infections. Awareness and proactive management, including regular water testing, system maintenance, and the implementation of effective disinfection protocols, are essential to prevent outbreaks and protect patients and staff. Legionella Legionella bacteria can thrive in complex water systems, such as those found in hospitals. These bacteria can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Legionella is primarily transmitted by inhaling small water droplets containing the bacteria, which can occur through showers, cooling towers, and decorative fountains. Aspiration of contaminated drinking water can also lead to infection. Regular assessment and maintenance of water systems are crucial to preventing Legionella growth. This includes routine cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers and decorative fountains. Copper-silver ionization, a method that continuously disinfects potable water, has proven effective in controlling Legionella populations. Having a robust outbreak response plan is essential. This includes rapid identification of suspected Legionnaires’ disease cases, patient testing, and environmental sampling for Legionella. Quick action can help contain the spread and prevent further infections. Pseudomonas Pseudomonas, particularly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thrive in moist environments. It can be found on medical equipment and in water sources, posing significant risks to patients, especially those with weakened immune systems. In healthcare settings, Pseudomonas can lead to various infections, including pneumonia. Effective water management, monitoring, rigorous cleaning, and disinfection protocols are vital to controlling Pseudomonas. Regularly disinfecting sinks, showers, and medical devices that come into contact with water can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Ensuring that all equipment is thoroughly sterilized is also crucial. Healthcare providers should be vigilant for symptoms of Pseudomonas infections, particularly in critically ill or post-surgery patients. Early detection and prompt treatment can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. Stenotrophomonas Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is a growing concern in hospitals due to its multidrug resistance. This organism often causes healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), affecting patients with compromised immune systems or those with indwelling devices like catheters and breathing tubes. S. maltophilia’s resistance to many common antibiotics makes infections challenging to treat. Understanding its resistance patterns is crucial for effective treatment. Physicians must stay informed about the latest guidelines and treatment options. To limit the spread of S. maltophilia, implement effective water management strategies, perform strict environmental monitoring, and implement disinfection procedures. Hand hygiene and device sterilization play a significant role in preventing transmission. Regular audits and staff training can help maintain high hygiene standards. Acinetobacter Acinetobacter baumannii is notorious for its resilience against antibiotics. This highly antibiotic-resistant pathogen often affects patients in intensive care units (ICUs) or those with compromised immune systems, leading to severe infections. Rigorous infection control measures are necessary to combat Acinetobacter. This includes water management practices, regular handwashing, sterilizing equipment, and implementing isolation protocols for affected patients. Preventing outbreaks requires a coordinated effort from all healthcare staff. Proactive surveillance for Acinetobacter is critical. Regular screening and monitoring can help detect infections early. Judicious antibiotic use, guided by susceptibility testing, is also key to managing its spread and improving patient outcomes. Solutions for healthcare facilities Waterborne pathogens pose a significant threat to healthcare facilities, but with proper awareness, preventive measures, and a coordinated effort from all healthcare staff, their impact can be minimized. By understanding the risks and implementing effective strategies, like water management programs, regular maintenance of water systems, rigorous infection control protocols, and proactive surveillance, we can ensure safer water systems and improve patient and staff safety. Our solutions, including copper-silver ionization, are effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including those discussed here. Implementation of these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of infection from water sources. Learn more about how healthcare facilities partner with LiquiTech or contact us today to explore our water treatment solutions designed to protect your patients and staff.
The Future of Plumbing: Smart Technologies for Better Water Management
The plumbing industry is undergoing a technological transformation. Aging infrastructure, evolving regulations, and increasing health risks necessitate a shift toward smarter, data-driven water management solutions. These innovations can improve water quality, optimize system performance, and enhance occupant safety. This blog explores how smart plumbing technologies are shaping the future of building water systems, offering practical insights for implementation. Challenges facing building plumbing systems Source water quality often declines as it travels through a building’s plumbing system, impacted by factors like sediment, biofilm, temperature fluctuations, and disinfectant loss. Disruptive events—such as water main breaks, construction, or hydrant flushing—can stir up sediment and biofilm, introducing these contaminants into the building. Once inside, the situation can worsen due to aging infrastructure, inconsistent temperatures, and water stagnation. Pressure put on building water systems: Addressing these challenges requires proactive solutions grounded in strong water management principles. Key principles of effective water management A comprehensive water management strategy builds resilience, reduces risks, and ensures regulatory compliance. The core principles include: Risk assessment Control measures Monitoring and documentation Interventions and corrective actions These principles create a foundation for incorporating advanced smart technologies into plumbing systems. The role of smart technologies in building water management Smart technologies bring automation, real-time data, and predictive analytics to water management, making systems safer, more efficient, and easier to manage. Key innovations include: Smart sensors Programmable flushing devices Advanced water treatment technologies The following technologies offer real-time water management, adjusting automatically based on water conditions and ensuring optimal system performance. Benefits of smart plumbing systems The advantages of implementing smart plumbing technologies go beyond regulatory compliance: Get started with smart plumbing technologies Adopting smart technologies requires strategic planning. Here’s how to begin: Embracing the future of plumbing The plumbing industry is evolving, and smart technologies are leading the way. These tools empower facility managers and engineers to proactively address water system challenges, ensuring safer, more efficient, and compliant operations. Now is the time to invest in the future of water management. By adopting smart technologies, you can enhance occupant safety, optimize operations, and create resilient systems. Ready to step into the future? Contact LiquiTech today to explore how our smart technologies can transform your building’s water management.
“Spring is here—and so is Legionella risk,” warns expert
As the weather warms up, many healthcare facilities prepare for seasonal changes in staffing, patient volumes, and operations. But one area that often gets overlooked during this transition is your building water system—and spring can bring a perfect storm of conditions that elevate the risk of Legionella and sediment-related issues. “Spring is here—and so is Legionella risk,” says Dave Pierre, building water safety expert at LiquiTech. “Warmer temperatures, shifting water demand, and municipal activity like hydrant flushing create ideal conditions for both bacterial growth and sediment intrusion in building water systems.” Five spring risk factors impacting water safety Here are five reasons why spring poses increased water safety risks: Warmer weather raises cold water temps With rising outdoor temperatures, cold water lines—especially those in sun-exposed or poorly insulated areas—can warm into the ideal Legionella growth range (77–113°F). Even in well-designed systems, this shift can allow bacteria to multiply in areas not typically considered high-risk. UV disinfection on the incoming water supply can help kill bacteria before it enters your building, while systemic disinfection methods such as copper-silver ionization can prevent bacteria from growing and spreading in warm, low-flow areas within your plumbing. Together, these technologies offer a multi-barrier solution to address both external and internal risks. Seasonal water quality changes increase microbial activity Spring runoff and heavy rains can significantly impact source water quality by increasing turbidity, organic matter, and nutrient load in the municipal supply. These changes can strain municipal treatment processes and often result in lower chlorine residuals and increased microbiological activity in the water entering your facility. This weakens your first line of defense against waterborne pathogens like Legionella. UV disinfection helps reduce microbial load before it enters the building, while systemic disinfection technologies provide ongoing protection throughout your plumbing system. Municipal disruptions introduce sediment Spring is prime time for municipal hydrant flushing and water main repairs. These activities can stir up sediment and contaminants in the public water supply, which then make their way into your building. Sediment doesn’t just reduce disinfectant effectiveness—it can also feed bacterial growth, damage water-bearing equipment, and even lead to pipe leaks or system failures. Sediment filtration on the incoming water supply helps prevent sediment from entering the building, protecting plumbing infrastructure and supporting overall water quality. Changing demand patterns stress plumbing Spring often brings changes in how different parts of a facility use water. Higher demand from increased patient volumes, reopened services, or seasonal water systems (e.g., cooling towers, irrigation systems, and outdoor water features) can cause pressure fluctuations and temperature shifts that disturb biofilm and mobilize bacteria. On the flip side, lower or inconsistent usage in certain areas can lead to stagnation, loss of disinfectant residuals, and unchecked Legionella growth—especially in places like handwashing sinks or infrequently used showers. Smart sensors throughout the plumbing system can help monitor these changes in real time, identifying abnormal flow patterns, temperature inconsistencies, and other early warning signs of system imbalance—so you can take corrective action before issues escalate. Stagnant water in underused areas Units that saw minimal use during the winter—like seasonal wings, outpatient areas, or overflow rooms—may still have stagnant water sitting in the plumbing. Without proper flushing and maintenance, that water can harbor biofilm and Legionella, and turning those outlets back on can send contaminated water into patient areas. Point-of-use filters offer immediate protection at faucets and showers, while flushing protocols guided by your water management program can help clear stagnant water safely. What to do next Spring is the ideal time to review your water management plan and ensure it addresses seasonal risk factors like temperature fluctuations, sediment intrusion, and changing water use patterns. A targeted water system risk assessment can help identify vulnerabilities and confirm that your plan includes the right preventive measures—such as flushing procedures, filtration strategies, monitoring points, and disinfection methods—for this time of year. Making these updates now can help reduce the risk of Legionella growth, protect your patients, and prevent costly equipment damage tied to sediment and system imbalances. Need support evaluating your water management plan this spring? Our team of water safety experts is here to help, contact LiquiTech today.
Advancing Sustainability and Operational Efficiency in Healthcare
Water systems are critical to healthcare operations, but they also present significant challenges that affect energy use, infrastructure, and equipment performance. Issues like sediment buildup, biofilm formation, and poor system balance can drive up costs, waste energy, and compromise long-term sustainability. By addressing these challenges proactively, hospitals can improve efficiency, reduce expenses, and extend the lifespan of essential systems and equipment. Reducing energy waste Healthcare facilities rank among the most energy-intensive building types, with roughly 42.3% of their energy usage tied to reheating processes. Inefficient water systems—whether due to sediment buildup, poor insulation, or imbalanced flow—force pumps, boilers, and reheaters to work overtime. This increased workload leads to higher operating costs and strains organizational efforts to meet sustainability targets. By focusing on improvements in water quality and system design, hospitals can reduce energy consumption, cut costs, and extend the life of vital equipment. Key strategies include: Implementing sustainable water treatment technologies Advanced technologies that reduce contaminants and pathogens in building water improve safety, extend the lifespan of plumbing systems, and reduce the frequency of repairs, which helps conserve resources and reduce waste. Leveraging smart monitoring technologies Real-time monitoring tools have revolutionized water management strategies in healthcare. Smart sensors and remote monitoring technologies allow facilities to proactively identify and address inefficiencies, reduce waste, and maintain optimal conditions for patient care. Protecting water infrastructure for long-term sustainability Protecting the longevity of plumbing systems and water-bearing equipment is an often overlooked aspect of water management that significantly impacts sustainability. By preventing damage caused by sediment, corrosion, and scale, businesses can reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements, lowering waste and extending the lifespan of their infrastructure. Supporting broader sustainability initiatives Water management is essential for organizations aiming to meet their broader sustainability objectives. Enhancing the efficiency of water infrastructure, reducing energy consumption, and adopting environmentally friendly water treatment technologies align with environmental, social, and governance goals. By leveraging advanced technologies and real-time monitoring, businesses can optimize water use, cut energy costs, conserve resources, and reduce carbon footprints, driving meaningful progress toward a sustainable future. Ready to get started? Contact LiquiTech today for a water management analysis to see how you can take your sustainability efforts to the next level.
Legionella: What Is It and How to Control It
What is Legionella? Legionella is a bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. It was named after the first known outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in 1976 at an American Legion Convention. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia. Pontiac fever is a less severe illness that typically resolves without hospitalization. Approximately 90% of Legionnaires’ disease cases are caused by Legionella pneumophila. Non-pneumophila species are responsible for fewer than 10% of cases. Where is it found? Legionella can be found in natural water sources. It can survive traditional municipal water treatment processes and be distributed to buildings from the municipal water supply. Once in building water systems, ideal conditions, like warm water, sediment, and other microorganisms, can cause it to proliferate. Potable water systems, especially hot water systems, are the highest concern for Legionella growth and transmission. High-risk non-potable systems include cooling towers, decorative water features, whirlpools, spas, and misters. More than half of outbreaks occur in healthcare facilities. Outbreaks have also been linked to nursing homes, hotels, workplaces, apartment complexes, and community sources. What are the health concerns? Legionnaires’ disease can be contracted through exposure to contaminated water, usually via inhalation of aerosolized particles or aspiration. Cases have also been linked to direct installation, such as nasogastric tubes. People with weakened immune systems, chronic lung disease, diabetes, cancer, transplants, steroid use, and the elderly are at higher risk of contracting the disease. However, roughly 25% of cases have no known risk factors. More than 95% of cases require hospitalization, and more than 30% require admission to the ICU. The disease fatality rate is over 10%. Healthcare facilities are the most common exposure setting, accounting for 57% of cases and 85% of deaths. How can Legionella be controlled? There are many strategies to reduce Legionella risk in building water systems. To start, Legionella testing should be conducted to identify if and where Legionella is present in the water system so evidence-based remediation strategies can be implemented. Continuous supplemental disinfection can be installed to remediate the entire water system and provide long-term Legionella control. The most effective is copper-silver ionization. It is highly effective against Legionella and other waterborne pathogens and does not have any negative side effects, like corrosion or harmful disinfection byproducts. Short-term remediation options, like chlorine shock treatments, have varying efficacy. If Legionella reduction is achieved, it is typically short-lived. Point-of-use filters can be installed on faucets, showerheads, and ice machines to prevent exposure to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens. However, they do not remediate the water system and require ongoing maintenance and costs, so they are usually deployed temporarily or in high-risk units. Engineering controls like circulation, flushing, and temperature can prevent favorable conditions but do not fully mitigate risk. These controls should be used in conjunction with other strategies. A water management plan and routine Legionella testing should be utilized to help evaluate and manage ongoing Legionella risks in building water systems. Download: Legionella fact sheet Fill out the form below to download our Legionella fact sheet to keep on hand or to share with your team.
Corrosion: What Is It and How to Control It
What is corrosion? Corrosion is the degradation or deterioration of a material caused by a reaction to its environment. In building plumbing systems, corrosion can occur in our piping systems and water-bearing equipment due to reactions, chemicals, and impurities in the water. These processes result in uniform corrosion, pitting, cracking, or erosion, ultimately causing the breakdown and failure of the piping system and components. How does it impact plumbing? Corrosion significantly impacts the plumbing system, operations, maintenance, costs, and equipment. It can lead to pinhole leaks in the piping and pipe blowouts, which can ultimately cause water damage to the surrounding area. Corrosion can also cause loss of efficiency, reduction in performance, blockages, and total equipment failure of valves, pipes, pumps, and heaters. All corrosion impacts have significant financial consequences, including pipe and equipment replacement, labor for repairs, maintenance and system interruptions, and downtime. What causes it? The corrosivity and corrosion rate of our building’s water systems depends on several water characteristics, including sediment levels, flow, temperature, chemical treatment programs, and microbial communities. How can it be controlled? Avoiding corrosive water treatment methods, such as chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and monochloramine, will significantly impact the life of plumbing systems. An alternative technology, copper-silver ionization, has greater efficacy against waterborne pathogens and does not increase the corrosivity of the water system. Installing a sediment filtration system on the incoming water supply will significantly reduce the amount of sediment entering the building water system. This protects the water system from sediment accumulation, which can lead to corrosion of equipment and pipes. The filtration system will also protect against external disruptions or surges in sediment, which can build up in a system, erode equipment, and impact equipment life. Case study: Colorado hospital sediment filtration success story Sediment in the incoming water supply caused pinhole leaks, forcing the replacement of two-year-old piping for $80K. Installing a LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System reduced sediment entering the building’s water system. Read the full case study here. Sediment levels (96.7% reduction) Download: corrosion fact sheet Fill out the form below to download our corrosion fact sheet to keep on hand or to share with your team.
Biofilm: What Is It and How to Control It
Biofilms, intricate communities of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic entities, thrive on surfaces through a remarkable process of collaboration and self-protection. Encased within a self-produced, slime-like matrix, these microorganisms firmly anchor themselves to a variety of surfaces, from the moist lining of a water pipe to the hard enamel of our teeth. While often associated with wet environments, biofilms can also adapt to less moist conditions, revealing their resilience and versatility. In this article, we’ll explore what biofilms are, where they’re found, the health concerns associated with them, and how to control them in building water systems. Definition of biofilm Biofilms are composed of different types of microorganisms, including bacterial and fungal species, that grow on and stick to the surface of a structure. A biofilm may cover natural surfaces, like teeth, or manufactured surfaces, like water pipes or water storage systems. The microorganisms that make up biofilm can be in different states, including actively multiplying, dormant, or simply associated with the biofilm structure. They can also exhibit varied phenotypes, including differences in growth rate, gene expression, and resistance mechanisms. Formation of biofilms The microorganisms in biofilms are often embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances, which provides structural support and protection. This matrix contains living and dead cells and resists antimicrobial agents like sterilants, disinfectants, and antibiotics, shielding the microbial cells within. Where biofilms are found “Wet” biofilms typically develop in aqueous environments, including natural bodies of water like rivers and oceans, as well as manufactured surfaces like water pipes, storage tanks, and wastewater treatment facilities. “Dry” biofilms are found in less moist environments. They can develop on surfaces in healthcare settings (e.g., operating rooms), on skin or food surfaces, and in indoor environments (e.g., HVAC systems). Health concerns associated with biofilms Biofilms can harbor and protect waterborne pathogens, making them more disinfectant-resistant. They are implicated in a wide range of infections, such as urinary tract infections, middle-ear infections, and implant-associated infections. Biofilms can also exacerbate chronic wounds and lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Bacteria in biofilms are often more resistant to antibiotics, complicating the treatment of infections. How biofilms affect plumbing systems In plumbing systems, biofilms can reduce water flow, clog pipes, and corrode plumbing materials. They can also degrade water quality by harboring waterborne pathogens and releasing them into the water supply during events that alter water pressure and flow, like nearby construction or water main breaks. Controlling biofilms in building water systems Regular maintenance, routine flushing, and cleaning of pipes can help control biofilms. Some continuous supplemental disinfectants like copper-silver ionization can penetrate biofilms, killing the microbes contained inside. Physical treatments on the incoming water supply, like UV disinfection and sediment filtration, can help prevent microbes and nutrient-containing sediment from entering the building water system and contributing to new biofilm growth. When designing new building water systems, plumbing engineers should implement designs that reduce stagnation and ensure consistent water flow to help prevent biofilms from forming. Biofilms are a common and potentially harmful occurrence in building water systems. Proper maintenance and control can help prevent health concerns associated with biofilms and keep plumbing systems functioning properly. By understanding what biofilms are, where they’re found, and how to control them, organizations can ensure the safety and quality of their building’s drinking water.
Keeping Hospitals Safe: A Success Story with Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital
When Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford opened its doors in 1991, it was met with an unexpected challenge: Legionella bacteria in the building’s water system. Despite the hospital’s best efforts, traditional disinfection methods failed to control the problem, which led to two tragic patient deaths. The hospital turned to LiquiTech and the LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System, an environmentally friendly and safe method to control Legionella, was quickly installed. Following the installation, several days of rigorous system flushing, monitoring, and water testing took place until Legionella was no longer detected. For over 30 years, the hospital’s water supply has been completely free of Legionella due to continuous monitoring, predictive services, and collaboration on interventions by LiquiTech. As Michael Zader, the hospital’s Administration Director, points out, “We’ve been waterborne pathogen-free since partnering with LiquiTech in 1991”. This success story emphasizes the importance of embracing innovative solutions when traditional methods fall short and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital’s mission to keep their hospital environment safe. Read the full case study here.
Case Study: Copper-Silver Ionization Resolves High Bacteria Levels
In 2016 while preparing to open a new patient tower, a California hospital found bacteria levels exceeding state and federal EPA limits in the building water system. To address this issue, they deployed multiple rounds of hyperchlorination, which is the process of adding an excessive amount of chlorine to the building water system in an attempt to kill bacteria. After three unsuccessful rounds of hyperchlorination, the hospital sought the expertise of LiquiTech. LiquiTech worked with the hospital to implement a solution that included the installation of a LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System and a LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System, hot water system improvements, and ongoing LiquiTech services, including proactive maintenance, monitoring, and water quality testing. After two months, the hospital’s water system test results showed bacteria levels within state and federal EPA limits, allowing the new patient tower to open. By implementing these solutions, the hospital is able to provide a safe and healthy environment for their patients, staff, and visitors. To learn more, read the full case study here.
Case Study: Sediment Filtration on Cold Water System Reduces Legionella Risk
After a Northeast university achieved non-detect Legionella levels in their building’s hot water system with a LiquiTech™ Copper-Silver Ionization System, they faced a new obstacle when Legionella was detected in the cold water system due to water stagnation caused by the building’s mixed-use and fluctuating occupancy. Partnering with LiquiTech, the university implemented an innovative solution to install a LiquiTech™ Sediment Filtration System on the cold water supply. By preventing sediment from entering the building, the cold water system quickly returned to non-detect Legionella levels. The combined power of copper-silver ionization for the hot water system, sediment filtration for the cold water system, and an ongoing service partnership with LiquiTech has helped the university maintain non-detect Legionella levels and provide clean, safe water to occupants. The results: With a multi-faceted approach, this university successfully controlled Legionella and proactively reduced the risk of future outbreaks. Learn more about their journey in the full case study here.
