There’s no doubt the plumbing industry has had a hyper-focus on Legionella and prevention over the past few years. Yet a simple search on Google reveals outbreaks in an Illinois prison, a Hawaiian hotel and in Riverside County, California — all within the past two months.
“As bacteria is formed and spread through water, the older America’s water infrastructure becomes, the chances for Legionella outbreaks increases, especially in states that have warmer climates,” explains Matt Sigler, PMG Executive Director for the International Code Council (ICC). “A common way the bacteria forms is through lukewarm water temperatures as it thrives in water that ranges from 77°F to 113° F, making it a potential breeding ground for the bacteria. Additionally, water that is stagnant within a piping system runs the risk of having disinfectant dissipate, inviting the potential growth of Legionella bacteria.”