What Is Legionella?
Legionella is a genus of bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. While it occurs naturally in freshwater environments like lakes and streams, it thrives in warm water and can grow in human-made water systems such as cooling towers, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems.
Where Is Legionella Found?
Legionella bacteria are found naturally in freshwater environments, such as lakes and streams, and prefer warmer water to cool. The bacteria can become a health concern when they grow and spread in human-made water systems, such as plumbing, storage tanks, cooling towers, decorative fountains, hot tubs, and manufacturing equipment. Legionella is not passed from person to person and is usually contracted by the inhalation of droplets in mist or vapor containing the bacteria.
Why Legionella Testing Matters
Testing for Legionella can help prevent disease outbreaks, such as Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever, by ensuring water systems are safe and free from harmful bacteria. Early detection of Legionella bacteria helps manage risks and promotes a safer environment for building occupants. By offering comprehensive Legionella testing services, Pace ® helps clients protect public health, ensure safe water, and maintain regulatory compliance.
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How Is Legionella Regulated?
Legionella testing in water systems is essential for protecting public health and reducing organizational risk. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) mandates Medicare and Medicaid-certified healthcare facilities to implement water management policies to minimize the risk of Legionella and other pathogens. In 2022, the Joint Commission introduced new standards for accredited organizations, including hospitals and nursing care centers, to address Legionella.
Various states have their own requirements. New York mandates monitoring and control of Legionella in hospitals and residential healthcare facilities, while New Jersey requires policies for healthcare facilities and buildings with large water systems. The CDC provides guidelines for preventing Legionnaires’ disease, and OSHA has standards for workplaces with potential Legionella contamination. States may also regulate other hot spots, such as New York’s requirement for cooling tower testing.
WHO WE SERVE
Water treaters and consultants are essential in maintaining safe water systems and preventing Legionnaires' disease through diligent testing, monitoring, and management practices.
Nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and hospitals are responsible for ensuring patient safety and should take preventive measures by testing regularly.
Regular testing in hotels and resorts can help prevent outbreaks, protect guests, and maintain the establishment’s reputation.
Universities and other educational institutions should test to ensure the safety of students, staff, and visitors.
To ensure the safety of all occupants and visitors, regular testing for Legionella should be conducted in commercial buildings.
Data center water systems, such as cooling towers, can create an environment in which Legionella thrives. If evaporative cooling is used, these systems should be tested regularly to prevent an outbreak.
Government buildings, including those managed by the General Services Administration (GSA), should test regularly to prevent outbreaks and maintain compliance with health regulations and protect public health.
Contact the Pace® Legionella Outbreak Response Team at:
Legionella outbreak services are essential for quickly addressing and controlling the spread of Legionella bacteria. Pace® offers emergency outbreak services 24/7.
Coordination of emergency disinfection and onsite sampling.
Conducting case investigations and laboratory services.
Available around the clock to address urgent needs.
Utilizing various methods to detect Legionella bacteria.
Water Management Planning – Waterborne Pathogens
Water management planning for waterborne pathogens ensures the safety of building occupants by identifying contamination sources, assessing risks, and implementing control measures. These plans establish proper water temperatures, ensure adequate disinfection, and prevent water stagnation, protecting public health and helping organizations comply with regulations.
Water management planning for the prevention of Legionella is required for some businesses, such as CMS-affiliated healthcare facilities and certain GSA-managed properties. Even when not required, water management planning can help property managers and owners reduce potential liabilities and protect their occupants. Learn More
Pace® Support for GSA PBS 1000.7A Compliance
The General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service (PBS) Order 1000.7A establishes national requirements for effectively managing and overseeing drinking water quality within GSA-managed properties. The purpose of this order is to ensure the well-being of building occupants by setting forth guidelines and processes for maintaining the safety and quality of drinking water. Pace® offers a comprehensive portfolio of services to help public sector organizations adhere to the new requirements, including:
Pace® Legionella Testing Services
Pace® offers comprehensive Legionella testing and analysis services for healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, commercial buildings, and more. Our experienced team of microbiologists and environmental scientists work collaboratively with clients to create customized testing plans tailored to meet specific needs and regulatory requirements. Learn more about our services by visiting our Legionella Testing Services page or contact us directly.