Getting a commercial office building ready for re-occupancy post-COVID-19 is a challenge. Adding in the risk of Legionella bacteria compounds the potential for a compound disaster.
Legionella, a bacterium that causes a pneumonia-like illness called Legionnaires’ disease, grows in the still waters of cooling towers, hot water heaters, fountains, faucets, and showers when plumbing systems are left stagnant or underheated. Commercial buildings that shut down their HVAC systems to reduce energy bills and/or failed to run the water while unoccupied are ripe for bacteria growth.