Legionella Remediation after an outbreak has occurred in a water tank is a complicated one. It may take several treatments of the water before successful levels are achieved. The problem with Legionella is that there are no definitive, permanent solutions. The goal of treatment is in reducing and controlling the biofilm and bacteria buildup.

Preventing Legionella

The first step in preventing Legionella is the assurance of proper design, maintenance, and temperatures of potable water systems. It’s important that the water stays above 135 degrees on the hot temperature flow and below 68 degrees on the low-temperature flow for the prevention of Legionella.

Emergency Treatments

Heat Treatment

This is where the water is heated to 157 degrees and the temperature is maintained in the tank for around 3 hours. Then, the hot water is flushed from the system, and it is returned to normal operating conditions. Occasionally, this treatment alone works. Systems with low capacity are better off being treated directly using chlorination methods.

Chlorination and Draining

Using this method, first, the hot water tank must be drained. Next, the tank must be completely cleaned out, removing all deposits. Next, the tank needs to be wet vacuumed. It can then be filled with fresh, clean water. Finally, the tank must be “soaked” with a certain level of chlorine for around 16 hours. Lastly, the chlorinated water is flushed from the system. The tank can then be refilled with appropriate levels of chlorinated water.

When you’re facing a case of Legionella, or any type of contaminated water tank unit, contact Matt Chlor, the water disinfection specialists. We have offices from California to North Carolina and service all 50 states. At Matt Chlor, we say that every last drop counts!