Preventing Legionella Spread During Covid-19

During the Covid-19 pandemic, many businesses and facilities are shutting down or reducing occupancy, which may lead to a higher risk of the spread of Legionella and other biofilm bacteria within water systems. In buildings with complex plumbing systems, stagnant water can be a problem that, if not properly handled, can pose a number of health risks to occupants upon reopening. This is especially true for certain applications such as cooling towers and boilers, but can also potentially be true for most water-based applications, including spas and pools, decorative fountains, and more.

For a safe reopening, the CDC recommends a comprehensive water management plan, as well as several precautions that should be taken prior to the reopening and subsequent use of water systems. These range from flushing the system, to cleaning exposed water features, like fountains, water fountains, pools, and spas and hot tubs, to maintaining cooling towers, and ensuring that all safety equipment like fire sprinklers and eye-wash stations are clean and safely usable. For more information, check out the CDC’s ‘Guidance for Building Water Systems’. 

If you are unsure of how to prepare your facility for reopening, it is highly recommended that you speak with a water treatment expert prior to introducing occupants back into the facility. Use our contact form to get in touch with any questions you may have about water treatment during the Covid-19 pandemic, or any other water-related inquiries. 

Want to know more? The Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, or ASDWA, has compiled a list of helpful resources regarding building water systems during Covid-19.