Legionella is a Ticking Time Bomb in Your Facility’s Water System.

Legionnaires’ disease is more than a health risk—it’s a potential crisis for hospitals and extended care facilities. Caused by Legionella bacteria thriving in water systems, outbreaks can lead to devastating consequences: negative press, lost revenue, costly litigation, and worst of all, loss of life. For healthcare providers, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Preventing Legionella requires proactive, strategic action. Here are five critical steps every facility must take to protect patients, staff, and their reputation.

1. Develop a Detailed Water Management Plan

Understanding your facility’s water system is the foundation of Legionella prevention. Mapping out all water sources, storage tanks, piping configurations, and endpoints allows for early identification of risks. A customized water management plan ensures potential hazards are addressed before they escalate. As infrastructure and water usage patterns change, regular updates and reviews are essential to maintaining safety.

2. Implement a Proven Secondary Disinfection System

Relying on primary disinfection from city water is not enough. Inconsistent chlorine levels and outdated methods leave facilities vulnerable to Legionella growth. That’s why secondary disinfection is crucial—and WaterGuard MO is the superior solution.

Unlike traditional approaches, WaterGuard MO is 10 times more effective than chlorine while remaining completely safe to drink. Here’s why other methods fall short:

• Facility water source chlorine levels are too low and fluctuate, making them unreliable.

• Point-of-use filters require extensive installation, monitoring, and frequent replacement—impractical for large facilities.

• Injecting chlorine into the system can corrode pipes and damage mechanical systems like pumps, leading to costly repairs.

• Copper ionization systems are expensive to install and maintain and only treat water at direct contact points, leaving water inside pipes unprotected.

  
  

WaterGuard MO is a game-changer. It reduces natural organic matter (NOM), depriving Legionella of the nutrients it needs to grow. Unlike chlorine, it provides consistent, system-wide protection without harmful disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Facilities using WaterGuard MO can ensure long-term compliance, enhance patient safety, and prevent outbreaks before they start. In 7 years of treatment, and with thousands of pre and post remediation testing WaterGuard MO eliminated 99.9% of all bacteria in the water within 48 hours.

3. Conduct Routine, Comprehensive Water Testing

Regular testing is the key to early detection. Healthcare facilities must monitor:

• Conductivity – Detects impurities in the water.

• pH levels – Ensures proper chemical balance.

• Oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) – Measures disinfection effectiveness.

• Chlorine levels (free and total) – Verifies disinfectant levels.

• Total bacterial count – Assesses microbial risk.

• Water temperature – Identifies conditions ideal for Legionella growth.

By monitoring these six key parameters, facilities can spot trends, adjust treatments, and act before problems arise.

4. Implement a Systematic Flushing Protocol

Stagnant water creates a perfect breeding ground for Legionella. Establishing a structured flushing routine for infrequently used outlets ensures proper water circulation and prevents bacterial growth. Training staff on consistent flushing procedures keeps water fresh and safe.

5. Maintain Detailed Records for Compliance and Early Risk Detection

Thorough documentation is critical. Keeping detailed records of testing, maintenance, and system modifications allows facilities to track trends and detect early warning signs. This not only ensures regulatory compliance but also prevents costly outbreaks that could harm patients and damage reputations.

The High Cost of Inaction

Ignoring Legionella prevention is a risk no facility can afford. A single outbreak can lead to:

• Negative media coverage and public scrutiny.

• Lost revenue from patient concerns and regulatory penalties.

• Lawsuits from affected individuals and health agencies.

  
  

But the most devastating cost is the loss of life—a tragedy that no healthcare provider should ever have to face.

Taking action now prevents catastrophe later. With a comprehensive Legionella management plan, facilities can protect their patients, maintain their reputation, and uphold the highest standards of care.