Control scale and prevent legionella

Eradicating Legionnaires' disease, and other bacteria, from a water system requires consistent and near-constant descaling and treatment. The legionella bacterium, Legionella pneumophila (LP), the fundamental agent of Legionnaires' Disease, is a water-based organism, which causes infection when inhaled in an aerosol form. Legionnaires' Disease acquired its name in 1976 when an outbreak of pneumonia occurred among persons attending a convention of the American Legion in Philadelphia. LP may be able to colonize certain types of water fitting, pipework and materials used in the construction of water systems. The presence of such materials and of large quantities of sediment may provide nutrients for Legionella, making eradication difficult. In practice, LP bacteria is found in many recirculating hot and cold water systems particularly in larger, complex systems such as those found in hospitals, hotels, office block and factories.