Potential Sampling Sites for Legionella spp. in Health Care Facilities

Potable water system

• Incoming water main
• Water softener
• Holding tanks, cisterns
• Water heater tanks (at the inflows and outflows)

 

Potable water outlets, especially those in or near patient rooms

• Faucets or taps
• Showers

 

Cooling tower, evaporative condenser

• Makeup water (e.g., added to replace water lost because of evaporation, drift, leakage)
• Basin (i.e., area under the tower for collection of cooled water)
• Sump (i.e., section of basin from which cooled water returns to heat source)
• Heat sources (e.g., chillers)

 

Humidifiers ( e.g ., nebulizers)

• Bubblers for oxygen
• Water used for respiratory therapy equipment

 

Other sources

• Decorative fountains
• Irrigation equipment
• Fire sprinkler system (if recently used)
• Hot tubs