Cooling towers are one of the most common environments where legionella in cooling tower systems can develop. Legionella bacteria thrive in water systems with temperatures between 20°C and 50°C, making cooling towers a high-risk source if not properly managed. When left uncontrolled, Legionella can spread through aerosols released from cooling towers and cause serious diseases such as Legionellosis.
Legionella commonly grow within biofilms and deposits that form on cooling tower surfaces, especially when water treatment programs are not properly optimized. Poor water circulation, the presence of organic matter, and insufficient disinfectant levels can significantly accelerate bacterial growth. When contaminated aerosols are inhaled, individuals may develop Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal.
Legionella Impact: More Than Just a Health Concern
The presence of legionella in cooling tower systems is not only a public health issue. It also creates serious operational, regulatory, and business risks. The main impacts include the following.
1. Public Health Threat
Legionellosis can cause severe respiratory infections with a high fatality rate, particularly among individuals with weakened immune systems. Symptoms such as high fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, and respiratory complications can develop rapidly after exposure.
2. Operational Disruption
When Legionella is detected, cooling towers often must be shut down temporarily for cleaning and disinfection. This can disrupt operations in factories, office buildings, hospitals, hotels, and other facilities that rely on stable cooling system performance.
Read Also: Why is My Cooling Tower Experiencing Biofouling?
3. Regulatory Non-Compliance
Many governments and health authorities enforce strict standards for controlling legionella in cooling tower installations, including ASHRAE 188, CDC guidelines, and WHO environmental health recommendations. Failure to meet these requirements can result in penalties, fines, legal action, and forced system shutdowns.
4. Business Reputation Is Threatened
Legionellosis outbreaks linked to a company’s cooling tower can severely damage corporate reputation. Loss of trust from customers, business partners, and the surrounding community often has long-term consequences beyond the immediate incident.
Legionella Control Solutions from Lautan Air Indonesia
Managing legionella in cooling tower systems requires more than periodic cleaning. Effective control depends on a structured water management program, continuous monitoring, and the correct application of water treatment technologies. Lautan Air Indonesia provides integrated solutions designed to control Legionella risks and maintain cooling tower safety.
1. Legionella Risk Management Program
We provide risk assessment services to identify potential Legionella growth points within cooling tower systems. This includes system evaluation, identification of high-risk zones, and development of mitigation strategies aligned with applicable regulations and best practices.
2. Effective Use of Biocides and Disinfectants
Lautan Air Indonesia offers a comprehensive range of biocides and disinfectants proven to control legionella in cooling tower environments. Chemical treatment programs are designed based on system conditions and include:
- Oxidizing biocides, such as chlorine, bromine, and peroxide-based products, which disrupt bacterial cells and biofilm structures
- Non-oxidizing biocides, such as isothiazolines and glutaraldehyde, which provide stable and effective microbial control under specific operating conditions
3. Digital Monitoring and Control Systems
Using IoT-based technology, we implement real-time monitoring systems that help detect conditions favorable to Legionella growth at an early stage. Continuous measurement of key water parameters enables accurate chemical dosing and faster corrective action.
4. Routine Cleaning and Disinfection
Our technical team performs scheduled cleaning and disinfection of cooling towers, including mechanical removal of deposits and biofilms, as well as shock disinfection when required. These procedures help reduce bacterial load, maintain water quality, and extend system operating life.
Read Also: Foaming in Cooling Towers: A Problem that Disrupts Efficiency
5. Optimization of Make-Up and Blowdown Water Quality
The quality of make-up water and blowdown management plays a significant role in controlling legionella in cooling tower systems. We assist in managing parameters such as pH, alkalinity, hardness, and cycles of concentration to minimize conditions that support bacterial growth.
6. Training and Consulting
Lautan Air Indonesia also provides training and consulting services for operational teams. These programs help personnel understand Legionella risks, proper cooling tower maintenance practices, water quality monitoring, and the correct use of chemical treatment programs.
Protect Your Cooling Tower Now
Legionella should never be treated as a minor risk. With more than 40 years of experience in industrial water management, Lautan Air Indonesia supports businesses in controlling legionella in cooling tower systems through proven, regulation-compliant solutions.
Contact us today for a consultation and discover the most effective solution to keep your cooling tower operating safely and reliably.
