Legionella Control

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a critical concern in the United States, with over 1.6 million cases annually, leading to 100,000 deaths and $41 billion in hospital losses. Among the various sources of HAIs, waterborne pathogens—particularly Legionella—are major contributors. Legionella bacteria thrive in healthcare plumbing systems, including faucets, showerheads, and ice machines, posing a severe risk to immunocompromised patients. To address this challenge, FillPure’s point-of-use (POU) Legionella filters and preventative maintenance service offer an effective solution for immediate microbial control as part of a comprehensive Water Management Program (WMP).

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Understanding the Challenge

Impact of HAIs

  • 1.6 million HAI cases annually in the U.S.
  • 100,000 deaths linked to HAIs each year
  • $41 billion in annual hospital losses

Legionella and Potable Water Systems

Legionella bacteria thrive in potable water systems with poor maintenance, sediment, and biofilm accumulation. Without proper control measures, these bacteria can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.

Legionella bacteria thrive in warm, stagnant water and are commonly found in:

  • Potable water systems (Drinking fountains, faucets, showers)
  • Cooling towers (used in HVAC systems)
  • Decorative fountains and water features
  • Humidifiers and misting systems
  • Underused or stagnant plumbing (e.g., Vacant rooms or dead-leg piping)
  • Ice machines and medical equipment using water

Without proper maintenance and control measures, Legionella can proliferate, leading to outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe and potentially fatal form of pneumonia.

Common Treatment Methods and Their Limitations

  1. Chemical Treatment
    While chemical treatment methods, such as chlorine and monochloramine dosing, are widely used for Legionella control, they present several challenges. One major drawback is pipe corrosion, which can compromise plumbing infrastructure over time. Additionally, chemical treatments can lead to the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts, posing potential health risks. Another significant limitation is their inconsistent ability to penetrate biofilm, where Legionella bacteria often thrive. Even with continuous dosing, bacteria can persist or recolonize, reducing long-term effectiveness. Maintaining the proper chemical balance also requires ongoing monitoring and frequent adjustments, adding to operational complexity and cost.
  1. Temperature Shock Treatment
    Temperature shock treatment involves flushing plumbing systems with high-temperature water to kill Legionella bacteria, but this method has several drawbacks. It is often labor-intensive and costly, requiring significant time and resources to implement. Additionally, its effectiveness is short-lived, as Legionella can quickly recolonize once temperatures return to normal. High-temperature water can also damage plumbing systems over time, leading to potential infrastructure failures. Furthermore, this method poses a scalding risk to both patients and staff, making it a less practical solution for healthcare facilities.

    These limitations highlight the need for more reliable, immediate, and localized solutions, such as Point-of-Use (POU) Legionella filtration, which provides consistent microbial control without the risks and inefficiencies associated with traditional chemical and temperature treatments.

The Solution: Point-of-Use Filters

Key Features of POU Legionella Filters:

Effective Filtration
0.2-micron or smaller pore size for microbial filtration, creating a barrier against multiple microbial contaminants and serving as a final layer of protection.

Localized Protection
Filters safeguard specific fixtures, minimizing the risk of Legionella and other waterborne pathogens at specific critical points of use.

Immediate Control
Acts as an immediate barrier against pathogens when integrated into a Water Management Plan (WMP).

Regulatory Compliance
Supports compliance with industry standards and infection control guidelines for water safety.

Benefits of Implementing POU Legionella Filters

Enhanced Patient Safety
Immediate reduction in the risk of waterborne HAIs.

Regulatory Compliance
Alignment with ASHRAE 188, ASHRAE 514, and CDC guidelines.

Cost Savings
Reduce HAI-related costs by mitigating risk and improving water system safety.

Reputation Management
Demonstrate a commitment to patient safety and proactive infection control measures all while reducing legal liabilities.

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Compliance with Standards and Guidelines

ASHRAE 188

FillPure’s legionella control service aligns with the standards for preventing waterborne disease outbreaks in building water systems:

  • System start-up, shutdown, and maintenance procedures
  • Regular flushing, cleaning, and disinfection of system components
  • Monitoring and treatment schedules for potable water systems
  • Reporting and documentation guidelines

CDC Guidelines

POU filters complement WMPs by:

  • Providing immediate control measures for hazardous conditions
  • Assisting with Legionella prevention through proper water system maintenance
  • Acts as a final catch of microbial contaminants

FillPure Legionella Control Service

Scope of Services

Filter Installation and Replacement:

Replace POU Legionella filters every quarter to maintain optimal filtration performance and ensure continuous protection against pathogens.

System Monitoring and Water Quality Testing:

Conduct inspections and testing to assess filtration performance and water quality in compliance with ASHRAE and CDC guidelines.

Preventive Maintenance:

Perform fixture inspections and filter housing evaluations, to prevent potential issues.

Reporting and Compliance:

Provide detailed digital reports summarizing maintenance activities, test results, and any corrective actions taken.

Staff Training and Support:

Offer ongoing training for facility staff on proper POU Legionella filter use, and best practices.

Enjoy the highest quality water with FillPure

At Fillpure, our commitment goes beyond providing water safety solutions—we are dedicated to delivering exceptional service and support to our customers. We understand the challenges of managing waterborne Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), and we’re here to help every step of the way.

Our customer-first approach ensures:
✔ Expert guidance to help you navigate water safety challenges
✔ Proactive maintenance and ongoing service to ensure uninterrupted protection
✔ Dedicated support tailored to your facility’s unique needs

With Fillpure, you’re not just choosing a service—you’re gaining a trusted partner in water quality and infection control. Let us provide the reliable expertise and peace of mind your facility deserves.

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