5 Ways to Control & Prevent Legionella in a Cooling Tower

by Ben Frieders

Legionella in Cooling Towers.  Legionella is a type of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious lung infection. Cooling towers are a common source of Legionella, as the warm, moist environment in cooling towers provides an ideal breeding ground for the bacteria.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent Legionella in cooling towers. These include:

• Maintaining proper water temperature. Legionella thrives in warm water, so keeping the water temperature in cooling towers below 80°F (26.7°C) can help to prevent the bacteria from growing.
• Using biocides. Biocides are chemicals that can kill Legionella. They can be added to the water in cooling towers to help prevent the bacteria from growing.
• Cleaning and disinfecting cooling towers regularly. This will help to remove any organic matter that can provide a food source for Legionella.
• Monitoring water quality. The pH, chlorine residual, and turbidity of the water in cooling towers should be monitored regularly to ensure that they are within acceptable limits.
• Installing high-efficiency drift eliminators. Drift eliminators help to prevent the water droplets that are produced by cooling towers from being released into the air. This can help to reduce the risk of people being exposed to Legionella.
• Locating cooling towers away from building air intakes. This will help to prevent the water droplets that are produced by cooling towers from being drawn into ventilation systems and circulated throughout buildings.

Here are the 5 ways to control and prevent Legionella:

1. 1. Maintain proper water temperature. Legionella bacteria grow best in warm water, between 77°F and 108°F. Keep hot water tanks at or above 120°F and cold water below 80°F.
   2. Circulate the water. Stagnant water is more likely to harbor Legionella bacteria. Flush all water outlets at least once a week, and run the hot water for a few minutes each day.
   3. Remove sediment and scale. Sediment and scale can provide a breeding ground for Legionella bacteria. Clean and sanitize water tanks, pipes, and other equipment regularly.
   4. Disinfect the water. There are a variety of chemicals that can be used to disinfect water and kill Legionella bacteria. Consult with a professional to determine the best method for your water system.
   5. Inspect and maintain your water system regularly. A qualified plumber should inspect your water system at least once a year to identify any potential problems.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your cooling towers safe and prevent the spread of Legionella.

About The Author

Ben Frieders is the Business Development and Marketing Manager at ChemREADY, an industrial water treatment company, where he focuses on driving growth through strategic marketing, business development, and acquisitions. A former U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer with a background in nuclear operations, Ben brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership to the water treatment industry. Certified in ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management, he is a recognized expert in water quality standards, regulatory compliance, and Legionella risk management. Passionate about scaling businesses and optimizing systems, Ben combines data-driven strategies with a hands-on approach to help organizations achieve sustainable growth.

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