What Are The Risks Of Legionella In Cooling Tower Water?

by Ben Frieders

Legionella in cooling tower water is at particular risk because they contain warm water that is constantly evaporating. This creates a mist that can contain Legionella bacteria. If people breathe in this mist, they can become infected with Legionnaires’ disease.

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause a serious lung infection called Legionnaires’ disease. It is found in warm water, such as in hot water tanks, cooling towers, and spas. Legionella can grow and multiply in these environments, especially if the water is not properly treated.

The risk of Legionnaires’ disease from cooling towers is highest in people who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic lung diseases. However, anyone can be infected.

The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal.

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce legionella in cooling tower water, including:

• Keeping the water temperature in the safe range. Legionella grows best in warm water, so it is important to keep the water temperature in cooling towers below 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Adding biocides to the water. Biocides are chemicals that kill bacteria. They can be added to the water in cooling towers to help prevent the growth of Legionella.
• Regularly cleaning and inspecting cooling towers. This helps to remove any build-up of sediment or algae that can harbor Legionella.
• Educating people about Legionnaires’ disease and how to prevent it. This can help to reduce the risk of infection.

By following these steps, it is possible to reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease from cooling towers.

Here are some additional tips for preventing Legionnaires’ disease from cooling towers:

• Avoid working or spending time near cooling towers that are not properly maintained.
• If you are working near a cooling tower, wear protective clothing, such as a mask and goggles.
• If you see any water leaking from a cooling tower, report it to the appropriate authorities.

By taking these precautions, you can help to protect yourself from Legionnaires’ disease.

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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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