Debunking Legionella Myths | Canadian Water Compliance

Written By: Canadian Water Compliance | On

Legionella Awareness, Water Safety Tips, Myth Busting, Public Health Protection, Legionnaires Disease Prevention

Busted! Don’t Believe These Legionella Myths!

Legionella is bacteria commonly found naturally in freshwater, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams, generally at levels too low to cause disease in people. However, certain conditions that may be present in buildings and homes promote the growth of the bacteria. When water is contaminated with larger quantities of Legionella, it gets released into the air in the form of droplets or mist, the primary route of transmission. The key to preventing outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease is to control Legionella bacterial growth in water systems through preventive maintenance.

Unfortunately, there is a multitude of misinformation about Legionella, and Legionnaires’ disease myths, in circulation. So to help you distinguish between facts and fiction Canadian Water Compliance has debunked three of the most widely believed myths about Legionella.

Myth 1: Somebody has done something wrong to spread the Legionella bacteria!
Well, Legionella is actually a naturally occurring bacteria. It has been around since the dawn of time. It’s only now that we are testing for these specific strains we are noticing it more and more.

Myth 2: Most commonplace to find Legionella is in a cooling tower
Not really! According to statistics, it is actually found in mist-producing devices, such as showerheads, hot tubs, whirlpool bathtubs, and humidifiers. This is why your best defense is to consistently test and monitor for an outbreak.

Myth 3: What needs to be done in a TPI is call the news and report it to CNN
That may be fine but won’t help save any lives. The actual step you need to take is to call your local PWC representatives and see what the best and most recommended method is to deal with the TPI in your region.

If you’re looking to steer clear of more myths like these, reach out to Canadian Water Compliance. We are a leading Legionella water testing and monitoring company in Toronto, Ontario, to test, monitor, and certify you “Legionella free.” We’re partnered with the leading Legionella lab in Canada and use the most scientifically accurate testing available.

Our services are available across Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, London, Kitchener, Niagara, St. Catharines, Sarnia, Windsor, Guelph, Waterloo, Owen Sound, Collingwood, Barrie, Wasaga Beach, Midland, Parry Sound, Huntsville, Gravenhurst, Minden, Oshawa, Peterborough, Coburg, Belleville, Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal, and the surrounding areas.

For a complete list of our services, please click here. If you have any questions about Legionella testing and monitoring, we’d love to hear from you, please contact us here.