As South Africa enters another hot summer season, the increased use of cooling systems, air conditioners, and evaporative condensers can unintentionally create ideal conditions for Legionella bacteria to thrive. With rising temperatures and stagnant water in pipes or towers, it’s critical to ensure your water systems are safe and compliant through regular Legionella testing.
What Is Legionella and Why Is It Dangerous?
Legionella bacteria are naturally occurring microorganisms found in water and soil. They can colonise man-made water systems such as:
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Cooling towers and evaporative condensers
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Air-conditioning units
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Hot water tanks and plumbing systems
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Decorative fountains, pools, and spas
When aerosolised water droplets containing Legionella are inhaled, they can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia, or the milder Pontiac fever. Outbreaks often trace back to poorly maintained water systems, particularly during warm and humid conditions.
Why Testing Is Essential During the Summer Months
South Africa’s summer provides the perfect growth conditions for Legionella: warm temperatures (25°C–45°C), stagnant water, and organic matter such as rust, scale, or biofilm. These factors allow Legionella to multiply rapidly, posing health and operational risks for:
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Commercial buildings
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Hotels and lodges
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Shopping centres
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Food processing facilities
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Hospitals and healthcare environments
Regular Legionella testing during this season is crucial for early detection and control — preventing outbreaks before they occur.
Legionella Testing with Envirocare Laboratory
At Envirocare Laboratory, we offer comprehensive Legionella testing and water analysis to help identify contamination sources and safeguard your systems.
Our services include:
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Microbiological detection and enumeration of Legionella species
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Analysis of cooling tower, HVAC, potable, and industrial water samples
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Hygiene and environmental monitoring
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Routine surveillance and outbreak investigations
Envirocare Laboratory is SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), ensuring every result meets the highest analytical and quality assurance standards.
Preventive Measures to Reduce Legionella Risk
- Conduct quarterly testing during warmer months.
- Keep cold water below 20°C and hot water above 60°C.
- Regularly clean, disinfect, and flush cooling and water systems.
- Implement a Legionella risk management plan.
- Ensure your facility’s water safety and maintenance protocols are current.
Stay Ahead This Summer
With South Africa’s temperatures climbing, now is the time to assess your building’s water safety systems.
Proactive testing prevents costly downtime, ensures compliance, and most importantly — protects public health.
Envirocare Laboratory
Tel: +27 18 294 4283
Email: info@envirocarelab.co.za
www.envirocarelab.co.za
References
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World Health Organization (WHO). Legionella and the Prevention of Legionellosis. Geneva: WHO Press, 2007.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Legionella (Legionnaires’ Disease and Pontiac Fever). https://www.cdc.gov/legionella
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South African National Standard (SANS) 893:2010. Legionella Control in Water Systems.
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Department of Health (UK). Guidelines for the Control of Legionella Bacteria in Water Systems (HSG274).
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ISO/IEC 17025:2017. General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.
