Preventing Legionella spp. outgrowth by architectural redesign with modification of the cold water supply from one-way outflow to a recirculation system.

摘要

In older buildings the risk of outgrowth of Legionella spp. in often-complicated water supply systems frequently has not been fully appreciated. The architectural outline of the Atrium medical centre Parkcity has been described in an earlier report.1 We previously presented our findings with regard to our Legionella spp. containment measures in the cold water supply of a rehabilitation centre and the regional hospital before and after introduction of the Dutch water supply act.1'2 According to Dutch law a quantity of <100 cfu/L Legionella spp. is allowed. Above this level additional measures have to be implemented, such as flushing out the cold water supply pipes with hot water.3 As reported, this surveillance is cumbersome but the programme was successful in maintaining the quantity of Legionella spp. below permitted levels.