Controlling Legionella in Other Devices

Purpose

Use this document to:

1. Help evaluate hazardous conditions associated with devices that use water
2. Implement Legionella control measures for devices that use water per ASHRAE Guideline 12-2020
3. Complement existing resources for water management programs (WMP)
4. Support environmental assessments conducted during public health investigations

Any Device that Contains Nonsterile Water Can Grow Legionella

In the absence of control, Legionella can grow in almost any system or equipment containing nonsterile water, such as tap water, at temperatures favorable to Legionella growth. Devices that may grow Legionella in the absence of control include the following: 

• All types of secondary water collection, storage, and use for recycled water, gray water, rainwater, and groundwater
• Water storage for high-demand or emergency use and expansion tanks
• Lawn sprinklers and irrigation systems
• Solar water heating systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Safety showers and eyewash stations
• Produce and recreational misters
• Evaporative air coolers
• Spray and pressure washing equipment
• Machine/metal working lubrication and coolant systems
• Dental and medical equipment (e.g., scalers, CPAP, bronchoscopes, heater-cooler units)
• Ice machines
• Humidifiers

Operation, Maintenance, and Control Limits

Use control methods to protect building operators, staff, and visitors from exposure to Legionella in devices that use nonsterile water. Certain devices that use water can generate aerosolized water droplets or otherwise present a unique risk and should have specific control measures in place to prevent exposure. These are highlighted below and are followed by general guidelines for Legionella control in a wide variety of devices.

Produce and Recreational Misters

• Insulate pipes to maintain water temperatures outside the Legionella growth range.
• Avoid stagnation by running regularly or draining when not in use.
• If recreational misting equipment has a reservoir, drain and clean it regularly; consider using a disinfectant appropriate for the system.

Ice Machines

• Clean regularly and replace filters per manufacturer recommendations.
• Consider routine Legionella testing of ice machines in settings that serve people at increased risk of Legionnaires’ disease.

Humidifiers

• Tanks on humidifiers should be emptied and cleaned daily.

Sprinklers and Irrigation Equipment

• Operate these devices outside of normal business hours to limit bystanders’ exposure.

Dental and Medical Equipment

• Clean regularly per manufacturer recommendations.
• Use sterile water in respiratory equipment such as CPAP, heater-cooler units, and bronchoscopes.

General Guidelines

• Regularly clean and maintain all water system components, such as spray nozzles, sprinkler heads, and hoses.
• Ensure evaporative coolers are functioning properly with managed airflow across condensate pans.
• Store and maintain water at temperatures outside the favorable growth range for Legionella (77–113°F, 25–45°C); note that Legionella may grow at temperatures as low as 68°F (20°C).
• Keep collection basins, condensate pans, cooling coils, and other components clean and free from dirt, debris, corrosion, and biofilm.
• Flush low-flow piping runs, dead legs, and low-use fixtures regularly.
• Consider testing for Legionella in accordance with the routine testing module of this toolkit or if indicated by a WMP.

Remediation

If an outbreak or illness is suspected, test in conjunction with public health in order to:

• Confirm the presence of Legionella before performing remediation
• Confirm elimination of Legionella after remediation activities

If control measures are ineffective, if routine test results indicate poor Legionella control, or if an outbreak or illness is suspected by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), consider remediation options. Note: The public health AHJ determines whether there are associated illness(es) or an outbreak. Water system managers should choose a remedial treatment procedure after considering the system infrastructure, water quality parameters, and available sampling results. Certain procedures should only be undertaken in consultation with a water treatment professional. Following a successful Legionella remediation procedure, recolonization of the water system is likely unless the underlying conditions supporting Legionella growth are addressed.