The Most Effective Treatment for Legionella in Cooling Tower Water

Legionella is a bacteria that can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Cooling towers are one of the most common places where Legionella can grow, as they provide the warm, moist environment that the bacteria needs to thrive.

There are a number of different Legionella remediation that can be used to control Legionella in cooling tower water. The most effective treatment will vary depending on the specific circumstances, but some of the most common treatments include:

• Chlorination: Chlorine, in the form of our OB Bleach or Justeq07 product, is a powerful disinfectant that can kill Legionella. It is typically added to cooling tower water at a concentration of 1 to 2 parts per million (ppm).
• Bromination: Bromine, in the form of Bromax, is another effective disinfectant for Legionella. It is typically added to cooling tower water at a concentration of 0.5 to 1 ppm.
• Ozone: Ozone is a strong oxidizing agent that can kill Legionella. It is typically added to cooling tower water at a concentration of 0.1 to 0.2 ppm.
• UV light: UV light can also be used to kill Legionella. UV light systems are typically installed in cooling towers to provide continuous disinfection.  This method can be effective in some applications, but tends to be high maintenance to keep the system clean of debris and buildup.

In addition to chemical treatment, there are a number of other steps that can be taken to prevent Legionella growth in cooling tower water. These include:

• Regularly cleaning and inspecting the cooling tower: This will help to remove any organic matter that can provide a food source for Legionella.
• Maintaining a proper pH level: The pH of cooling tower water should be kept between 7.2 and 7.8. This will help to prevent Legionella from growing.
• Using a biocide: A biocide is a chemical that can kill bacteria. It can be added to cooling tower water to provide additional protection against Legionella.

By taking these steps, you can help to prevent Legionella growth in your cooling tower water and reduce the risk of Legionnaires’ disease.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• The type of treatment that is used will also depend on the size of the cooling tower and the amount of water that it circulates.
• It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any chemical treatment.
• Regular testing of the cooling tower water is essential to ensure that the treatment is effective.
• If Legionella is found in the cooling tower water, it is important to take immediate action to disinfect the system.

By following these guidelines, you can help to protect your employees and customers from Legionnaires’ disease.