What Is Legionnaires’ Disease—and Why Should Facility Managers Care?

Legionnaires’ disease is a severe form of pneumonia caused by Legionella pneumophila, a bacterium commonly found in freshwater environments. While generally harmless in nature, Legionella becomes dangerous when it finds its way into man-made water systems—cooling towers, showers, decorative fountains, plumbing systems, and HVAC units—where warm, stagnant water allows it to thrive. The disease is contracted when small water droplets carrying the bacteria are inhaled, often from mist or vapor.

The health implications are serious. According to the CDC, about 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires’ disease will die, and that number increases to 1 in 4 in healthcare-associated cases. The groups most at risk include people over 50, smokers, and those with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory conditions. Because of this, long-term care facilities, hospitals, and senior housing are among the most highly scrutinized environments for waterborne pathogens.

But this isn’t just a health issue—it’s a risk management and liability issue. Failing to control Legionella in your water system can lead to outbreaks, lawsuits, regulatory violations, and irreparable damage to your facility’s reputation. Many building managers don’t realize that a single case can trigger a full-blown investigation and corrective mandate from public health authorities.

Preventing Legionnaires’ disease requires more than just reactive fixes—it demands a proactive, continuous water safety strategy. That’s where Legionella Specialties comes in. We help facilities develop compliant Water Management Plans (WMPs), conduct regular testing, apply ongoing treatment solutions like WaterGuard MO™, and monitor results in real time. When you manage risk correctly, you protect lives—and your bottom line.