Legionella Testing Services in Washington State
Hawk Environmental Services provides Legionella testing and inspection services for cooling towers, potable and non-potable building water systems.
Legionella is a bacterium that lives in freshwater. This type of bacteria is typically found in streams, lakes, and other fresh-water bodies of water and causes Legionnaires disease. Because this specimen thrives in freshwater, however, it can be highly problematic for people when it contaminates bodies of water humans interact with, because this bacteria causes legionnaires disease. There are up to 18,000 cases of legionella in the U.S. annually.
Legionella bacteria can thrive in water sources with conditions that promote or allow the growth of the organisms. These conditions include:
- Lack of circulation, stagnant water, or water held in inactive or rarely flushed loops in plumbing
- Warm temperature water (usually between 58° and 122° F)
- Sediments, sludges, buildup, or accumulation of a biofilm
- pH between 5.0 – 8.5
This type of bacteria can be especially prominent in cooling towers, showers, recreational spa and swimming areas, and fountains. Testing for this bacterium is crucial to prevent this serious illness. At Hawk Environmental Services, our legionella sample analysis is performed by Aerobiology Laboratory, whose stringent testing procedures will notify you of any presence of legionella in your building. We typically sample and test for legionella bacteria in the following locations in buildings:
- Cooling towers
- Drinking water fountains
- Shower heads
- Faucets and taps
- Evaporative condensers
- Water softeners, water cisterns and holding tanks, and water heaters
- Fountains and decorative water features
- Hot tubs, spas, and jacuzzis
- Misters and Humidifiers
- Ice machines
Industries or businesses that commonly require Legionella testing include but are not limited to:
- Hotels
- Hospitals (**requires Water Management Program)
- Nursing Home Facilities (**requires Water Management Program)
- Senior Living Facilities
- Community Centers
- Boarding Houses
- Spa & Pool Facilities
- Fitness Centers & Gyms
To learn more about our legionella testing procedures or to schedule a testing in your area, contact us today.
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Recent cases of legionnaires disease:
- Outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in NY caused by cooling tower systems
- Legionella in public high school water system
- Nursing home tests positive legionnaires disease
- Woman dies at UW medical center legionnaires disease reported in two patients
- Legionnaires outbreak cases nearly quadrupled in 15 years
- Kennewick Gold’s Gym hot tub tests positive for legionnaires disease