What Is Legionnaires’ Disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by inhaling tiny water droplets that carry Legionella bacteria. These bacteria love warm, still water making cooling towers a common hotspot if not properly maintained.
When the water inside a cooling tower isn’t treated or circulated correctly, it creates the perfect environment for Legionella to grow. Once that bacteria gets into the air through mist or spray, anyone nearby can breathe it in and fall seriously ill.
⚠️ Top 5 Legionnaires’ Disease Risk Factors in Cooling Towers
If you’re managing or maintaining cooling towers, being aware of these risks and acting on them can go a long way in preventing outbreaks.
1. Warm Water Temps Between 20°C – 50°C
Why it’s risky: This is the ideal temperature range for Legionella to thrive.
What you can do: Try to keep your system either cooler or hotter than this range. If that’s not possible, make sure water isn’t left standing idle for long.
2. Stagnant or Poorly Moving Water
Why it’s risky: Stagnant water encourages bacteria to grow and biofilm to form.
What you can do: Keep water flowing. Run pumps even during off-hours or flush the system regularly. And remove any sections of piping that don’t serve a purpose, they often just sit there collecting trouble.
3. Build-Up of Scale, Sludge, or Sediment
Why it’s risky: These materials give bacteria something to feed on.
What you can do: Set up a consistent water treatment plan that includes descaling and biocide treatment. Clean your tower basin and components regularly.
4. Skipping Regular Maintenance
Why it’s risky: When checks are inconsistent or skipped, early warning signs are often missed.
What you can do: Build a maintenance routine that includes water testing, chemical treatment checks, and mechanical inspections. Keep a log, it helps.
5. Uncontrolled Water Mist (Drift)
Why it’s risky: Water mist escaping from the tower can carry Legionella into the surrounding air.
What you can do: Install and maintain drift eliminators to keep that mist in check. Make sure fans and spray nozzles are working as they should.
✅ Conclusion: Regular Maintenance Is Your First Line of Defense
Legionnaires’ disease is preventable, routine maintenance, proper water treatment, and early detection are the keys to a safe and compliant cooling tower system.
At Cooltech Engineers, to prevent Legionnaires’ Disease we recommend:
- Quarterly inspections
- Water testing and treatment checks
- Basin cleaning and drift eliminator replacement
- Documentation of all maintenance activity
📅 Read our Cooling Tower Maintenance Guide & Schedule a cooling tower check with our team to ensure your systems stay safe, efficient, and compliant with public health standards.
