COOLING TOWER WATER SYSTEMS AND LEGIONNAIRES’ DISEASE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM RECENT USA INCIDENTS AND OUTBREAKS AND THE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN

摘要

Cooling water systems have been the source of Legionella bacteria proliferation since the 1976 outbreak. But why? Case histories are identified as to what happened, what action plan was implemented, and what can be done to minimize this problem in the future. The case histories include HVAC, industrial, and utility evaporative cooling water systems. The industries represented are hospitals, chemical plants, power plants, petroleum refineries, and plastics molding facilities. The incorporation of new technologies in control and testing has greatly improved. Guidelines are provided to be considered by both end users and suppliers of water treatment services.