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Legionella Testing and Prevention

Legionella bacteria in building water systems can spread through aerosolized water, creating serious health and compliance risks. Legionella testing detects contamination early to prevent outbreaks in cooling towers, potable systems, and process equipment. CRB Water provides testing and prevention programs aligned with ASHRAE 188 requirements.
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  • Reduce Legionella risk across your systems
  • Maintain ASHRAE 188 & AAMI ST108 compliance
  • Gain defensible testing and reporting

 

What is Legionella and why does it matter?


Legionella is a naturally occurring bacterium found in freshwater environments such as lakes and rivers. It becomes a concern when it grows in man-made water systems, especially where warm or stagnant water is present.

Poorly controlled water systems can lead to equipment issues, contamination risks, and operational disruptions across healthcare, manufacturing, and commercial facilities.

It is commonly found in cooling towers, hot and cold water systems, storage tanks, and complex plumbing networks. When water is aerosolized through showers, cooling towers, or fountains, people can inhale contaminated droplets.

This exposure can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia that may result in hospitalization or death, particularly in vulnerable populations such as older adults or immunocompromised individuals.

Because of this risk, facilities are expected to actively manage water systems through monitoring, testing, and preventive controls to reduce the likelihood of bacterial growth.

 

Legionella Testing Services

Legionella bacteria can grow in building water systems and spread through aerosolized water, creating serious health and regulatory risks. Legionella testing helps detect contamination early—before it becomes a health or compliance issue—in cooling towers, potable water systems, and process equipment.

CRB Water provides testing programs for cooling towers, domestic water systems, and storage tanks, focusing on high-risk conditions where bacterial growth is most likely to occur. Results are reported in CFU/mL and interpreted against risk thresholds to guide corrective actions such as disinfection or system adjustments, supporting alignment with ASHRAE 188 requirements.

What is Tested
  • Legionella pneumophila (primary disease-causing species)
  • Total Legionella species (when required)
Sampling Locations
  • Cooling towers
  • Hot and cold water systems
  • Storage tanks and distribution lines
Testing Methods
  • Culture testing – regulatory standard for viable bacteria
  • PCR testing – rapid detection for faster response

Legionella prevention programs 

Legionella prevention programs focus on controlling conditions that allow bacterial growth in water systems.

Variations in water quality, including temperature changes, sediment, and biofilm buildup, can weaken disinfection efforts and create conditions that support bacterial growth.

A key component is a Legionella water management plan, which outlines how systems are monitored and maintained over time.

 

Core prevention strategies include:

  • Temperature control in hot and cold water systems
  • Routine flushing of low-use outlets to prevent stagnation
  • Biocide treatment in high-risk systems like cooling towers
  • Scheduled monitoring and verification testing

These programs rely on ongoing documentation to ensure control measures are effective and auditable.

The goal is not only to reduce risk, but to maintain consistent water quality and system reliability across all facility operations.

ASHRAE 188 Compliance

ASHRAE 188 is the industry standard for managing Legionella risk in building water systems.

Meeting ASHRAE 188 requirements is an ongoing process that requires a structured water management program to consistently identify and control Legionella risk.

It applies to facilities such as hospitals, hotels, industrial sites, and large commercial buildings where water systems are complex or high-risk.

The standard requires a structured water management program that includes:

 

   - System risk identification
   - Hazard analysis
   - Control measures (temperature, disinfection, flushing)
   - Routine monitoring and documentation

These elements work together to ensure that risks are identified early and managed consistently over time.

CRB Water supports facilities in developing and maintaining ASHRAE 188-compliant programs through testing, monitoring, and structured water management strategies.

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NYC Local Law 159

NYC Local Law 159 introduces updated requirements for cooling tower systems, effective May 2026.

It requires building owners to:

  - Register cooling tower systems

  - Conduct routine inspection and maintenance

  - Perform regular water testing

  - Submit annual compliance certification


While this regulation applies to New York City, it reflects a broader shift toward stricter oversight of building water systems across the United States.

Facilities operating cooling towers are increasingly expected to adopt structured water management and testing programs to meet evolving compliance standards.

Legionella in Cooling Towers 

Cooling towers are one of the highest-risk environments for Legionella growth due to warm water, constant circulation, and exposure to air.

As water is released into the air as fine droplets, bacteria can become aerosolized and travel beyond the system.

Key risk factors include:

  • Temperature fluctuations
  • Biofilm buildup
  • Inadequate disinfection
  • Stagnant or low-flow areas

Without proper monitoring and treatment, cooling towers can quickly become sources of contamination.

A structured water management program combined with routine testing helps reduce this risk and maintain safe system operation.

What We Do

Comprehensive Legionella & Waterborne Pathogen Protection

From proactive risk assessments to rapid emergency response, we deliver end-to-end pathogen control tailored to your facility’s water systems and compliance requirements.

Water Management Programs

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Build Compliance Into Daily Practice

We develop ASHRAE 188 and ST108-compliant programs that map your systems, define control measures, and document actions. These living programs help facilities across industries prevent outbreaks, stay audit-ready, and maintain safe, consistent operations.

  • Site surveys and flow diagrams
  • Hazard analysis and control points
  • Verification and documentation tools

Water Testing & Monitoring

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Verify Performance Where It Matters

Testing provides the proof regulators demand and teams need to act. We combine certified lab analysis with on-site monitoring of oxidants, pH, and conductivity to give real-time assurance. Regular sampling confirms programs are working and flags problems before they spread.

  • Legionella and pathogen testing
  • Automated monitoring dashboards
  • Routine and investigative sampling

Secondary Disinfection

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Defend Systems Long-Term

Advanced disinfection systems maintain a protective barrier throughout potable water networks. Our monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, and MIOX® onsite generation options reduce pathogen survival without costly chemical deliveries, protecting infrastructure and supporting sustainability goals.

  • Monochloramine generators
  • Chlorine dioxide systems
  • Onsite oxidant generation

Emergency Response & Remediation

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Fast Action When Issues Surface

Outbreaks demand immediate action. Our teams deploy pre-packaged disinfection kits, onsite investigations, and rapid PCR analysis to identify and contain risks fast. Whether in healthcare, manufacturing, or commercial facilities, we follow industry standards to restore safe operations with minimal downtime.

  • Pre-packaged disinfection kits
  • Onsite remediation
  • Industry-standard protocols

Training & Education

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Equip Your Team With Confidence

We deliver site-specific training for operators and staff, covering safety practices, green technologies, and compliance requirements. Education empowers your team to sustain program success long after implementation.

  • Operator and staff training
  • Green technology seminars
  • Compliance and safety education
Benefits

What you gain from proactive waterborne pathogen protection

With CRB Water, facilities gain verifiable Legionella risk control, regulatory compliance support, and confidence that water systems are being actively monitored and managed. 

Key benefits of waterborne pathogen protection:
Lower Risk
Reduce exposure to Legionella and other waterborne pathogens through proactive prevention and control measures.
Clean Compliance
Stay audit-ready with programs that align with ASHRAE 188, AAMI ST108, and other industry standards, helping facilities maintain compliance and operate with confidence.
Operational Uptime
Avoid shutdowns and lost productivity by maintaining stable, safe water quality across your systems.
Audit Confidence
Maintain defensible records and documentation that withstand scrutiny from regulators and inspections.
System Confidence
 Confidence that your water systems are actively monitored, controlled, and aligned with Legionella risk management and ASHRAE 188 requirements. 
Benefits

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Extended Equipment Lifespan
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Extended Equipment Lifespan
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Extended Equipment Lifespan
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Extended Equipment Lifespan
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Connected Solutions

More Ways to Strengthen Your Safety Net

Extend protection with services that reinforce compliance, accelerate response, and provide ongoing visibility into water safety across your facility.
Water Safety Risk Management
Build comprehensive water management plans that integrate risk assessments, control measures, and governance to keep every system safe and compliant.
Secondary Disinfection
Apply long-term protection with advanced monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, or MIOX® systems that maintain disinfectant residuals and reduce risk across potable networks.
Emergency Response
Mobilize quickly when a crisis hits. Our rapid response protocols contain outbreaks, restore safe operations, and keep downtime to a minimum.
Monitoring & Reporting
Gain audit-ready visibility with automated monitoring, sampling data, and defensible records that prove compliance and keep regulators satisfied.
Ready to explore the right mix of services for your facility?
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Industries

Legionella Control for Every Major Industry

From hospitals to power plants, we adapt Legionella control programs to the risks, regulations, and operating realities unique to your industry.
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Healthcare
Hospitals, surgery centers, and elder care facilities face the highest stakes. We help you meet AAMI ST108 standards, protect patients, and pass CMS-mandated audits with confidence.
Pharmaceutical
Purity is non-negotiable. Our programs safeguard water used in production, ensuring quality and compliance that protect both products and brand reputation.
Food & Beverage
Pathogen control protects product integrity, prevents shutdowns, and supports audits from regulators and corporate buyers. We help keep your brand safe on every line.
Commercial & Institutional
Universities, hotels, and offices rely on safe water for occupants and guests. We deliver consistent risk management across large, complex systems.
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A simple plan to protect your uptime

Request a Consult
step 01

Talk to an expert

Connect with a water treatment expert who understands your industry, your systems, and the risks you face. Share your goals and challenges, and get expert insights from day one.
step 02

Get a custom program

Receive a treatment plan tailored to your facility, combining the right chemistry, equipment, and monitoring to keep your operations safe, efficient, and compliant.
step 03

Keep running with confidence

Stay ahead with fast delivery, proactive reporting, and continuous optimization. Your systems run reliably and disruption-free, while you focus on running your business.
Legionella & Waterborne Pathogens FAQs
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you test for Legionella?

Legionella testing involves collecting water samples from building systems such as cooling towers, hot and cold water lines, and storage tanks. Samples are analyzed using laboratory culture methods or PCR testing to detect and quantify Legionella bacteria.

How often should Legionella testing be done?

The frequency of Legionella testing depends on the type of facility, system complexity, and risk level. High-risk environments such as cooling towers and healthcare facilities typically require routine monitoring as part of an ongoing water management program.

How often should facilities test for Legionella?

Testing frequency depends on system complexity and risk, but most facilities benefit from quarterly sampling combined with routine monitoring. CRB Water tailors schedules to compliance standards and site needs.

What temperature kills Legionella?

 Legionella bacteria are generally controlled at temperatures above 140°F (60°C) . Growth occurs most readily between 68°F–113°F (20°C - 45°C)  , making temperature control a key prevention strategy. 

What is ASHRAE 188?

ASHRAE 188 is an industry standard that outlines how to design and maintain water management programs to reduce the risk of Legionella growth in building water systems. It includes risk assessment, control measures, monitoring, and documentation requirements.

What triggers corrective action under ASHRAE 188 or AAMI ST108?

Corrective action is triggered when test results exceed action thresholds or when monitoring shows disinfectant levels fall outside required ranges. Our programs define clear escalation steps.

What documentation do you provide for audits?

We maintain audit-ready logs, corrective action records, and sampling data. Our reporting systems provide defensible documentation that satisfies regulators and accreditation bodies.

What disinfection technologies do you provide?

We implement monochloramine, chlorine dioxide, and MIOX® onsite generation, each selected based on your system requirements. These methods maintain residual protection while supporting sustainability goals.

What happens if we face an outbreak or violation?

Our team offers emergency response services, including remediation protocols and disinfection kits, to restore safety quickly and get systems back on track.

How do you support emergency outbreak response?

We mobilize rapid response teams with pre-packaged kits, onsite investigation, PCR testing, and remediation protocols following CDC and OSHA standards. Our goal: restore safe operations quickly.
Have additional questions? Get in touch with us - we are happy to help.
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Protect your systems with peace of mind

Downtime, outbreaks, and compliance failures aren’t risks you can ignore. With CRB Water, you get proactive programs, expert support, and audit-ready confidence that keeps risk under control.
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