EPA has finalized a new document, “Technologies for Legionella Control in Premise Plumbing Systems: Scientific Literature Review,” to “help states and facility owners/operators make better informed decisions on Legionella control.” Developed in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state drinking water program representatives, the document covers risk management approaches, treatment options, and results from a variety of studies.
The review highlights certain practices, such as avoiding dead ends and stagnation and optimizing thermal control of hot and cold water loops in the design of premise plumbing systems. However, risks associated with the use of cooling towers, which have been a source of several Legionella outbreaks, are not addressed. As a literature review, the document does not provide any regulatory requirements or recommend any particular practice or technology.