Large Cooling Water Systems with "Green" Nonchemical Devices Need Monitoring, Legionella Expert to Present Pitt Study Results at CTI Conference

Cooling towers for hospitals, hotels, and other large commercial buildings provide the perfect environment for bacterial growth. These conditions include: water temperature; biofilm caused by scale and other organic material; stagnant water; pooled water in fittings, piping, and, gaskets. To date, most of these cooling water systems aren’t tested for Legionella—the bacterium that causes Legionnaires’ disease. According to numerous studies, of those water systems that have been tested 40 percent to 60 percent contained Legionella (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legionellosis).

Stout, a leading expert in detection and prevention strategies for Legionnaires’ disease, recommends adding chemical treatment, when needed, as one possible measure to control microbial growth and prevent a potential health hazard.

Currently, both CTI and ASHRAE (http://www.ashrae.org) are reviewing the adoption of standards for Legionella. At the CTI conference, attendees will discuss CTI Standard 159 – Legionellosis: Related Practices for Evaporative Cooling Water Systems.