Hotels

What Is Legionella?

Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause two serious illnesses: Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires’ disease is a pneumonia-like illness that can be fatal, while Pontiac fever is a milder illness that usually goes away on its own.

How Can Legionella Be Transmitted?

Legionella can be transmitted when people inhale small droplets of water containing the bacteria. This can happen when they shower, bathe, or use a whirlpool spa. Legionella can also be transmitted from drinking water systems, but this is less common.

Why Are Hotels At Risk For Legionella?

Hotels are at risk for Legionella because they have complex water systems with many different types of fixtures and appliances. This can create conditions that are favorable for the growth of Legionella, such as warm water temperatures, stagnant water, and the presence of biofilms.

How Can Hotels Prevent Legionella?

Hotels can prevent Legionella by implementing a comprehensive water management program. This program should include the following components:

Risk assessment: Hotels should conduct a risk assessment to identify areas in the water system where Legionella is likely to grow and spread.
Engineering controls: Hotels should implement engineering controls to reduce the risk of Legionella growth and spread. This may include installing temperature control devices, maintaining proper water flow rates, and cleaning and disinfecting water system components on a regular basis.
Water monitoring: Hotels should monitor the water system for Legionella and other water quality parameters. This may involve testing water samples and monitoring water temperature and pH levels.
Response plan: Hotels should have a response plan in place in case Legionella is detected in the water system. This plan should include steps to disinfect the water system and prevent further contamination.

Water Treatment For Legionella In Hotels

Water treatment can play an important role in preventing Legionella growth and spread in hotels. There are a variety of water treatment technologies that can be used, but the most common is chlorine disinfection. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that can kill Legionella bacteria. However, it is important to note that chlorine can be corrosive to water system components, so it is important to use it at the correct concentration.

Other water treatment technologies that can be used for Legionella control include:

Chlorine dioxide: Chlorine dioxide is a disinfectant that is more effective than chlorine at killing Legionella bacteria. It is also less corrosive than chlorine, making it a good choice for hotels with sensitive water system components.
Ultraviolet (UV) light: UV light is a non-chemical disinfectant that can kill Legionella bacteria. UV light systems are typically used in conjunction with other water treatment technologies, such as chlorine disinfection.
Ozone: Ozone is a gas that is a powerful disinfectant. Ozone systems are typically used in large hotels with complex water systems.

Choosing The Right Water Treatment System For Your Hotel

The best water treatment system for your hotel will depend on a number of factors, including the size and complexity of your water system, your budget, and your water quality goals. It is important to consult with a qualified water treatment professional to select the right system for your needs.

Water treatment is an important part of a comprehensive water management program for Legionella control in hotels. By implementing a water treatment program, hotels can help to protect guests and staff from Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever.