In today’s environment, occupant health and safety are non-negotiable priorities across a wide range of facilities — from hospitals and government buildings to schools, office towers, and multifamily residential complexes. Yet one of the most persistent, invisible threats continues to be Legionella, a naturally occurring bacterium that can cause Legionnaires’ disease — a serious and sometimes fatal form of pneumonia.
Legionella thrives in building water systems, especially where water becomes stagnant, temperatures fluctuate, or maintenance lapses. Even the most robust water management plans (WMPs)— although essential — cannot completely eliminate the risk of Legionella exposure, especially at the “last mile” points like faucets, showerheads, and ice machines where users are directly exposed. Legionella bacteria are persistent and difficult to remove. Focus should remain on reducing Legionnaires’ disease cases which makes Point of Use (POU) final barrier products a critical element in any Water Management Plan (WMP).
Facilities Most at Risk
While any building with a potable water system can be vulnerable, certain facilities face heightened risks:
- Healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics, nursing homes)
- Educational institutions (schools, universities)
- Commercial office buildings
- Hospitality (hotels, resorts and cruise ships)
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Correctional facilities
- Guest facilities with Hot Tubs
In these environments, the stakes are high: immunocompromised patients, aging populations, children, and transient populations are especially susceptible to infection.
Limitations of Traditional Water Management Plans
A well-structured WMP is critical to monitoring, flushing, and maintaining water systems to control Legionella growth. However, challenges persist:
- Unpredictable stagnation due to low occupancy or unused outlets.
- Variable water quality entering the facility from municipal sources.
- Disruptions from construction, maintenance, or system failures.
- Rapid Legionella amplification between monitoring cycles.
- Water temperature fluctuation
Because WMPs primarily focus on systemic control, they often leave the “point of use” — the final faucet, shower, or water dispenser — vulnerable.
FillPure’s Protective Solution: Point-of-Use (POU) Filtration
At FillPure, we recognize that true occupant protection requires a final barrier at the point where water is actually used.
Our POU filter program is designed to work in tandem with a facility’s existing water management plan — providing immediate, consistent protection against Legionella bacteria and other pathogens right at the outlet. Key benefits include:
- High-Efficiency Barrier: Our POU filters trap bacteria and other microorganisms before they can be inhaled or ingested.
- Rapid Deployment: Easily installed on faucets, showers, and ice machines without system downtime.
- Flexible Programs: Available for critical high-risk areas or facility-wide deployments.
- Service Support: FillPure provides full installation, maintenance, and scheduled replacement services for continuous protection.
- Compliance Enhancement: Supports facility efforts to meet ASHRAE 188/514, CDC, and CMS recommendations.
- Documentation of service intervals through customer portal
Source: Filt’Ray Manufacturer: Aquatools
Why Partner with FillPure?
FillPure services over 23,000 facilities nationwide, supporting healthcare systems, federal agencies, educational institutions, and commercial clients. Our POU filtration programs have helped facilities:
- Lower infection risk profiles
- Strengthen their Legionella control efforts
- Provide peace of mind to occupants, staff, and visitors
As water safety challenges grow more complex, relying on traditional WMPs alone is no longer enough. A multi-barrier strategy is the new standard for true occupant protection — and FillPure is ready to help you achieve it.
Ready to strengthen your Legionella defense? Contact FillPure today to learn how our POU filter program can complement your water management plan and protect what matters most — your people.
