Identify Buildings with Increased Legionella Risk

Key points

  • Quickly assess the need for a water management program (WMP).
  • Answer the first 4 questions for buildings and the last 4 questions for devices.
  • Effective WMPs can reduce the risk of Legionella growing and spreading.
  • This worksheet supplements CDC's Legionella WMP toolkit.
Picture of the worksheet to identify buildings at increased risk of Legionella growth and spread.

Worksheet questions

Building Questions 1–4

  1. Is your building a healthcare facility where patients stay overnight or does your building house or treat people who have chronic and acute medical problemsA or weakened immune systems?
     Yes
     No
  2. Does your building primarily house people older than 65 years (like a retirement home or assisted-living facility)?
     Yes
     No
  3. Does your building have multiple housing units and a centralized hot water system (like a hotel or high-rise apartment complex)?
     Yes
     No
  4. Does your building have more than 10 stories (including basement levels)?
     Yes
     No

Device Questions 5–8

Devices in buildings that can spread water droplets containing Legionella should have a WMP even if the building itself does not.
  1. Does your building have a cooling tower?
     Yes
     No
  2. Does your building have a hot tub (also known as a spa) that is not drained between each use?
     Yes
     No
  3. Does your building have a decorative fountain?
     Yes
     No
  4. Does your building have a centrally-installed mister, atomizer, air washer, or humidifier?
     Yes
     No

  

Printable worksheet‎

The Legionella WMP toolkit includes a print-ready version of this worksheet.
Download the toolkit

Additional information

The building standards discussed in CDC's Legionella WMP toolkit don't apply to

  • Single-family residences
  • Small multiple-family residences (e.g., duplexes)

It doesn't apply to those buildings even if they include the devices in questions 6 through 8.

Take steps to prevent waterborne diseases

Residents need to take steps to protect themselves from waterborne diseases even if they live in single-family or small multiple-family residences. Homeowners should follow local and state guidelines for household water use. Owners of the devices in questions 6 through 8 should follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding cleaning, disinfecting, and maintenance.

Resources

Infographic: How Legionella affects building water systems and people

Toolkit: Developing a water management program to reduce Legionella growth and spread in buildings

Toolkit: Controlling Legionella in common sources of exposure

Training: Preventing Legionnaires' disease: A training on Legionella water management programs

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; National Center for Environmental Health
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