Ignore a cooling tower repair long enough, and you might be looking at a costly Legionella outbreak. It can cause serious illness, force shutdowns, and even legal issues. In fact, 40% to 60% of cooling towers test positive for Legionella bacteria.
Building owners and facility managers can’t afford to leave Legionella testing on the back burner. If you’re in charge of a commercial building, hospital, or industrial facility, knowing how to stop this risk should be at the top of your list.
In this post, we’ll discuss the dangers of Legionella in cooling towers, prevention strategies, and compliance tips to keep you out of trouble.
Let’s dive in:
What Is Legionella, and Why Should You Care?
Legionella is a type of bacteria that grows in water systems, particularly in warm ones. It spreads through tiny droplets in the air and can cause a severe form of pneumonia known as Legionnaires’ disease. People don’t have to drink the water to get sick. Just inhaling contaminated mist from a cooling tower can make people sick.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported in the U.S. each year, and the actual number is likely higher. Outbreaks nearly always trace back to building water systems, with cooling towers being a major reason.
Why Cooling Towers Are a Hotspot for Legionella
Cooling towers work by using water and airflow to remove heat from a building. But that same setup, warm water, organic debris, and constant movement, makes it easy for Legionella bacteria to multiply.
Here’s why cooling towers are vulnerable:
- Warm temperatures: Legionella thrives between 77°F and 113°F, right in the range most cooling towers operate.
- Stagnant water: Infrequent use or poor circulation allows bacteria to multiply.
- Biofilm buildup: Slime and scale inside the tower can protect Legionella and help it grow.
- Nutrient sources: Algae, rust, and organic material feed the bacteria.
The Real Risks: Health, Lawsuits, and More Than Just Fines
If you think Legionnaires’ disease is only a Department of Health problem, you need to reassess the situation.
Here’s what you’re up against:
- Health and safety: Legionnaires’ disease can cause hospital stays or even death, particularly for seniors or anyone with a weak immune system.
- Lawsuits and fines: If someone gets sick and it’s traced back to your cooling tower, you could end up facing expensive lawsuits or regulatory penalties.
- Reputation damage: Bad news travels fast. A public outbreak linked to your building is hard to recover from.
- Operational shutdowns: Falling short on compliance could mean forced shutdowns or failing key inspections.
How to Prevent Legionella in Your Cooling Tower
With regular cooling tower services, you can prevent the spread of Legionnaires’ disease and lower your risks.
1. Follow a Water Management Plan
A good water management plan (WMP) is your first line of defense. It should cover how your cooling tower is operated, maintained, and monitored. If you’re not sure where to start, the CDC’s Legionella Toolkit is a great resource, or you can work with professionals who specialize in building-specific WMPs.
2. Schedule Regular Legionella Testing
Routine Legionella testing and cooling tower services help stop bacterial growth early, before it turns into a health threat. Many states require testing every 90 days, but high-risk facilities may need it more often. Your testing provider should offer certified lab analysis and easy-to-read results.
3. Keep Your System Clean
Regular cooling tower repairs and disinfection prevent the buildup of scale, biofilm, and other contaminants that help Legionella thrive. Don’t forget seasonal start-up and shutdown cleanings; these are prime times for bacteria to grow if left unchecked.
4. Maintain Proper Water Treatment
Chemical treatments, like biocides and pH-balancing agents, help control microbial growth in your system. But they’re not a one-and-done fix. Your system’s water chemistry should be tested and adjusted periodically based on conditions and load.
5. Document Everything
If an inspector comes for an inspection, having test reports and other important documentation can help. Keep clear records of testing dates, results, cooling tower repair logs, and any corrective actions you’ve taken.
Local Compliance Rules You Shouldn’t Ignore: What You Need to Know
Depending on where your building is located, cooling tower services and Legionella testing requirements may already be written into law.
In New York City
Local Law 77 requires quarterly Legionella testing, regular inspections, and detailed recordkeeping for all cooling towers. Failure to comply can lead to fines or legal action.
In New Jersey
Bill S2188/A1970, passed in 2018, outlines strict inspection and testing requirements for all buildings with cooling towers. Facilities must also register with the state and follow approved disinfection protocols.
Other States
While not all states have formal cooling tower laws, the trend is moving toward more regulation, particularly in densely populated areas. Health departments in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and parts of California are developing new guidelines.
When to Call in the Experts
While some routine cooling tower repair tasks can be managed in-house, Legionella prevention and testing shouldn’t be ignored. A qualified professional makes sure that everything is managed safely and follows all current rules. Here’s how experts can help:
On-Site Water Sampling Done Right
Professionals follow strict sampling protocols to make sure the water samples from your cooling towers, condensers, and plumbing systems are collected properly.
Accurate Lab Testing from Certified Labs
Samples are sent to accredited laboratories for advanced testing, including PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or traditional culture methods, giving you reliable, actionable results.
Clear, Detailed Reporting You Can Use
You’ll get easy-to-read lab reports with actionable insights, so you know exactly what’s happening and what steps to take.
Fast Response if Legionella is Detected
If a test comes back positive, a professional can help you, whether that means disinfection, temporary shutdowns, or notifying health departments.
Step-by-Step Guidance on Local Compliance
Whether you’re in New York, New Jersey, or anywhere in the Tri-State Area, an expert will walk you through your local and state requirements, so you stay compliant and avoid penalties.
Final Thoughts
Legionella testing is about protecting people. Every building has a responsibility to keep its water systems safe, particularly since the risks are serious and solutions are easy to implement.
If your cooling tower hasn’t been tested lately, or you’re not sure where to start, reach out to a local cooling tower services provider. They can walk you through the process and handle the details, so your facility keeps running smoothly without any unexpected interruptions.
Lexy Summer is a talented writer with a deep passion for the art of language and storytelling. With a background in editing and content creation, Lexy has honed her skills in crafting clear, engaging, and grammatically flawless writing.
