Legionnaires’ Disease Prevention Checklist

Iowa personal injury accidents

Building & Facility Management

• Develop a Water Management Plan

  • Follow CDC/ASHRAE guidelines for building water systems.

  • Assign responsibility for monitoring and maintenance.

• Maintain Hot Water Temperatures

  • Keep hot water storage tanks at ≥60 °C (140 °F).

  • Deliver hot water to outlets at ≥50 °C (122 °F).

  • Use thermostatic mixing valves at outlets to prevent scalding while keeping system hot enough to deter bacteria.

• Prevent Water Stagnation

  • Flush unused outlets (sinks, showers) regularly.

  • Remove dead-end pipe sections.

  • Drain and clean storage tanks periodically.

• Maintain Adequate Disinfection

  • Ensure chlorine or other disinfectant levels are within recommended ranges.

  • Test water regularly for microbial contamination.

⚙️ Cooling Towers & Large Water Systems

• Regular Cleaning & Maintenance

  • Clean and disinfect cooling towers at least twice per year.

  • Remove scale, biofilm, and sediment.

• Monitor Water Quality

  • Test for pH, disinfectant residuals, and bacterial counts.

  • Maintain drift eliminators to reduce aerosol spread.

🛁 Hot Tubs, Pools & Spas

• Maintain Proper Disinfection

  • Keep free chlorine levels at 2–4 ppm (per CDC guidance).

  • Monitor and adjust chemical balance daily.

• Control Temperature

  • Operate spas at recommended safe levels (typically ≤40 °C / 104 °F).

• Regular Draining & Cleaning

  • Drain hot tubs weekly (or more often with heavy use).

  • Scrub all surfaces to remove biofilm before refilling.

🏠 Homeowners

• Maintain Water Heaters

  • Set temperature to at least 60 °C (140 °F).

  • Flush the tank annually to remove sediment.

• Flush Infrequently Used Fixtures

  • Run showers, taps, or garden hoses not used for weeks.

  • Let water run until hot.

• Clean Showerheads & Faucets

  • Soak removable parts in vinegar or mild disinfectant to remove scale and slime.

• Be Cautious with Portable Humidifiers

  • Use distilled water.

  • Empty, dry, and clean daily.

👤 Personal Risk Reduction

• High-Risk Individuals (older age, smokers, immunocompromised) should avoid:

  • Sitting close to decorative fountains or misters in public places.

  • Using poorly maintained hot tubs.

  • Exposure to aerosolized water in questionable facilities.

⚠️ Key Rule: Legionella prevention is about *keeping water hot, flowing, clean, and disinfected.