Legionella in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Legionella is a microbial contaminant that can pose significant health risks in drinking water. Because of its potential to cause illness, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set its Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) at 0 organisms per liter. This zero-tolerance limit reflects the acute risk associated with microbial pathogens.
Health Effects
Exposure to Legionella in water can lead to Legionnaires' disease, which is a serious, pneumonia-like illness. Because of the serious nature of this pneumonia-like disease, it is considered an acute health concern that requires prompt attention.
How Legionella Gets Into Tap Water
Legionella can enter water supplies from several distinct sources. Key sources of this contaminant include water cooling towers and hot tubs. Additionally, it is known to colonize and spread within plumbing systems.
How to Remove Legionella From Your Water
Controlling Legionella in water systems requires specific treatment methods to ensure safety. Effective strategies for managing this contaminant include temperature control, disinfection, and flushing. Applying these methods helps to reduce the presence of the pathogen in water supplies.
Should You Test Your Water?
If you are concerned about Legionella in your water, you can review your local water utility's Consumer Confidence Report or search WaterQ for local testing data. For private systems or specific building plumbing, professional testing may be recommended to verify that the water is safe from microbial contamination. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Legionella data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Legionella dangerous in drinking water?
Yes, Legionella is a dangerous microbial contaminant because it can cause Legionnaires' disease, which is a serious pneumonia-like illness. Because of the acute health risks associated with this infection, the EPA enforces a strict standard of zero organisms per liter. Prompt attention is necessary if this microbial pathogen is detected in a water system.
How does Legionella get into tap water?
Legionella can enter and multiply within plumbing systems. It is also commonly introduced from sources like hot tubs and water cooling towers.
How can I remove Legionella from my water?
Legionella can be removed or managed in water systems using temperature control, disinfection, and flushing. These treatment methods help eliminate the bacteria and keep water safe.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.