Preventing Legionella: Safe Water Treatment and Maintenance Protocols

Preventing Legionella Bacteria: Safe Water Treatment and Maintenance Protocols for Cooling Towers

Safety is a top priority, especially in industrial environments. Behind the cooling efficiency they provide, cooling towers also pose potential risks if not managed properly: the growth of Legionella bacteria.

Legionella pneumophila bacteria are microorganisms that can cause Legionnaires' disease, a type of severe pneumonia. These bacteria multiply in stagnant, warm water environments, and cooling towers are a potential source of spread through inhaled water aerosols.

As a provider of cooling tower and water treatment solutions, PT Jaya Sakti Internusa understands the importance of prevention. We are committed to helping you implement safe and effective protocols to minimise the risk of Legionella.

Understanding the Threat of Legionella

• What is Legionella? Legionella bacteria are naturally occurring bacteria found in freshwater environments. They become a threat when they multiply in man-made water systems, especially at temperatures between 20∘C and 45∘C.

• Risk of Transmission: These bacteria spread through contaminated water droplets (aerosols) that are inhaled by humans. Cooling towers, with their evaporation process, can produce these aerosols.

Effective Legionella Prevention Protocols

Legionella prevention requires an integrated approach, including careful water treatment and regular maintenance.

1. The Right Water Treatment Programme:

   • Biocide (Microorganism Killer): The alternating (rotating) use of non-oxidising and oxidising biocides is key to controlling the growth of bacteria, algae, and biofilm where Legionella hides. A proper dosing programme is crucial.

   • Disinfectant: Disinfectants such as chlorine can be used to keep water clean and free of pathogens. Disinfectant levels must be monitored regularly.

   • Corrosion & Scale Control: Reducing scaling and corrosion also indirectly helps prevent Legionella. Clean surfaces minimise the area for biofilms to attach and multiply.

2. Maintenance and Cleaning Regular:

   • Periodic Inspection: Routinely inspect the cooling tower for signs of corrosion, scaling, fouling, or areas of stagnant water.

   • Systematic Cleaning: Perform periodic deep cleaning, including cleaning the basin, fill media, and drift eliminator to remove biofilm and sediment.

   • Routine Water Testing: Conduct regular water testing to detect the presence of Legionella bacteria and other water parameters that affect its growth.

   • Component Maintenance: Ensure that all components, including the drift eliminator that prevents the spread of water droplets, are functioning properly.

PT Jaya Sakti Internusa: Your Partner for Sustainable Solutions

At PT Jaya Sakti Internusa, we provide comprehensive solutions to keep your cooling towers safe from Legionella:

• Chemical Treatment Products: The best biocides, disinfectants, and scale/corrosion inhibitors.

• Cleaning & Flushing Services: Our team of professionals is ready to perform deep cleaning.

• Water Analysis & Monitoring: Regular water testing and real-time controllers to monitor water conditions.

• Expert Consultation: We are ready to assist you in designing and implementing Legionella prevention protocols tailored to your needs and regulations.

Legionella prevention is a shared responsibility. With the right water treatment and maintenance protocols, you can ensure your cooling towers operate efficiently and, most importantly, safely for everyone.