Legionella is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that occurs naturally in freshwater environments. Although it is present in nature, Legionella becomes a substantial health concern when allowed to multiply in a building’s water systems. According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), from 2000 through 2015, there were 49,930 confirmed Legionnaires’ cases in the United States. Legionnaires’ disease is a severe type of pneumonia that can rapidly become fatal. It is caused by breathing in aerosolized water droplets containing Legionella, with the majority of recognized Legionnaires’ disease cases occurring in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and the healthcare setting.
Transmission of the Legionella bacteria occurs primarily from improperly maintained building water systems (e.g., showerheads, sink faucets, cooling towers, decorative fountains, and whirlpool spas). CCA’s team of experienced health scientists, engineers, and architects can help your facility reduce its risk and liability from a potential Legionella outbreak.
Examples of our services include:
- On-site surveys and risk assessments to develop facility-specific Legionella Water Management Programs (WMPs) meeting the requirements of ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 188.
- Control measure identification and implementation assistance.
- Periodic verification of water operating parameters, including temperature, pH, and biocide levels.
- Periodic collection of environmental water samples to validate WMP effectiveness. All samples are analyzed by a CDC ELITE certified laboratory.
- Contingency response planning and corrective action support.
- Forensic investigations and litigation support from doctorate-level health scientists, Certified Industrial Hygienists (CIH), and Professional Engineers.