285 Re-Release of What To Do When Your System Tests Positive For Legionella

We’ve talked about what Legionella bacteria is and how to prevent Legionella from developing in your clients’ systems on previous podcast episodes, but what do you do when your building does test positive for Legionella bacteria? We’ve had so many questions about this topic that the Scaling UP! H2O team decided to re-release our most listened-to episode on this topic.

Dr. Alberto Comazzi answers dozens of listener-submitted questions about what to do when your system tests positive for Legionella, and what options water professionals need to consider when treating Legionella bacteria in your client’s systems.

For those of you who don’t know Alberto Comazzi: he is a member of the ASHRAE SSPC 188 committee, AWWA premise plumbing committee, and the AWT pre-treatment committee. Alberto is certified to ASSE/IAPMO/ANSI 12080 Legionella Water Safety and Management Personnel. The author and co-author of fifteen scientific papers, and the Technical Director at Sanipur US, based in Philadelphia PA, Alberto was the first person I thought to have on the show to answer questions about treating systems positive for Legionella. 

Alberto Comazzi has a Ph.D. in Industrial Chemistry from the University of Milan, Italy. His research during his academic experience was focused on the study of the stability and the interaction among different chlorine-based water disinfectants. He has presented at over 20 conferences and there was no one our listeners enjoyed learning from more on the topic of Legionella than Alberto.

Bottom line: Alberto knows exactly what you should do when treating a system that tests positive for  Legionella bacteria. 

 

Want to learn more about Legionella?

Check out our free Legionella Resources page HERE

 

Timestamps: 

A thank you from podcast host, Trace Blackmore [1:00]

Introducing Alberto Comazzi, Ph.D. [10:19] 

No silver bullet for Legionella remediation [15:00] 

The three Legionella remediation options and their drawbacks: Heat and Flush, Filters, and Supplemental Disinfectant [17:00] 

If a customer requests Supplemental Disinfectant, what should you consider, and what questions should you ask so you can develop the right plan for them? [30:00] 

Other harmful water pathogens and re-opening buildings after COVID [39:00] 

Why should your company get involved with Water Hygiene? [48:00] 

What are some unforeseen pitfalls to look out for and your best advice for our water treatment listeners? [52:00] 

Lightning round questions [57:00] 

 

Quotes: 

“The awareness about Legionella is much higher than it was two years ago for two main reasons: buildings are reopening and public awareness of infections in general.” -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

“There isn’t one silver bullet for water management.” -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

“You need to be proactive about testing for Legionella; that’s the only way to know if your plan is working.” -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

“A water treatment provider needs to give their customer what they want and be able to do what’s best for them.” -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

“We’re coming out of COVID, and as buildings are reopening there is definitely an increased awareness about Legionella and other waterborne pathogens from the people outside of the healthcare industry.” -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

“When you do water hygiene, you are helping public health and buildings, and you are saving lives.”  -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

“The most important reason to do water hygiene is to help public health.” -Alberto Comazzi,  Ph.D. 

 

Connect with Alberto Comazzi: 

Phone: 267-326-2353 

Email: a.comazzi@sanipur.it  

Website: www.sanipur.com   

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alberto-comazzi-132637128/  

 

Thinking On Water With James: 

In this week’s episode, we’re thinking about infrared thermometers or guns. Why would you want to use an infrared thermometer on industrial water systems? What pieces of equipment should they be used upon? How far away are they accurate? What does the distance-to-spot ratio tell you about the size of area the infrared thermometer is measuring? How does the design of the steam trap impact where and what temperatures you should see around a trap? Take this week to think about infrared thermometers, their strengths, weaknesses, and uses.

 

Events: 

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we’ve listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE  or using the dropdown menu.