Understanding Legionella and Its Public Health Impact
Legionella is a naturally occurring bacterium that becomes a public health hazard when it proliferates in man-made water systems such as cooling towers, plumbing networks, and industrial water storage facilities. When Legionella-contaminated water is aerosolized and inhaled, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
Regular Legionella testing and risk management are critical to preventing outbreaks and ensuring regulatory compliance for businesses operating water systems in high-risk environments.
Why Legionella Testing is Critical
- • Public Health Protection – Legionella exposure can lead to severe respiratory infections, particularly in healthcare facilities, hotels, and industrial environments.
- • Regulatory Compliance – Compliance with Health Canada, CFIA, ASHRAE 188, and ISO 11731 is essential for industries where water system safety is a priority.
- • Legal and Financial Liability Prevention – Failure to conduct regular Legionella testing can result in regulatory fines, legal consequences, and reputational damage.
- • Operational Safety and Efficiency – Proactive Legionella risk management prevents biofilm formation, system corrosion, and costly repairs.
- • Environmental and Corporate Responsibility – Demonstrating commitment to water safety and public health strengthens corporate governance and sustainability efforts.
Comprehensive Legionella Testing Services
PBR Laboratories Inc. provides scientifically validated, ISO 17025-accredited Legionella detection services for a variety of industries. Our expertise in environmental microbiology, water quality assessment, and industrial hygiene testing ensures precision, reliability, and compliance with regulatory standards.
Our testing services include:
- • qPCR Rapid Legionella Testing – A molecular testing method that provides fast, accurate results within 24-48 hours.
- • Comprehensive Water Quality Analysis – Assessing key risk factors such as pH levels, disinfectant concentrations, microbial contamination, and water chemistry.
- • Legionella Risk Assessments and Control Programs – Custom solutions for testing, monitoring, and implementing Legionella prevention measures to maintain regulatory compliance.
Industries That Require Legionella Testing
Many industries require regular Legionella monitoring due to health risks, regulatory mandates, and operational safety requirements.
- • Healthcare Facilities (Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and Long-Term Care Centers) – Legionella contamination in potable water systems, cooling towers, and respiratory therapy equipment poses serious risks to immunocompromised individuals.
- • Hotels, Resorts, and Hospitality Businesses – Water systems in cooling towers, pools, spas, and showers must be tested regularly to prevent Legionella growth.
- • Hotels, Resorts, and Hospitality Businesses – Water systems in cooling towers, pools, spas, and showers must be tested regularly to prevent Legionella growth.
- • Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities – Cooling towers, boilers, and process water systems require frequent testing to minimize Legionella risk.
- • Food Processing and Beverage Industries – Compliance with CFIA and Health Canada regulations requires stringent water quality monitoring to prevent Legionella contamination in production environments.
- • Educational Institutions and Government Buildings – Water safety in schools, universities, and public facilities must be monitored to prevent outbreaks.
- • Municipal Drinking Water and Public Water Systems – Regular testing ensures public drinking water safety and regulatory adherence.
Why Choose PBR Laboratories?
Since 1984, PBR Laboratories Inc. has been a leader in environmental microbiology and industrial water testing. Our ISO 17025-accredited laboratory services support businesses in achieving compliance, operational efficiency, and public health safety.
- • Accredited Testing and Compliance Expertise – Ensuring full adherence to ISO 17025, Health Canada, CFIA, and ASHRAE 188 standards.
- • Fast Turnaround Times – qPCR-based Legionella testing delivers results in 24-48 hours, allowing businesses to respond quickly to potential risks.
- • Industry-Specific Testing Solutions – Customized testing programs designed to meet sector-specific regulatory requirements.
- • Comprehensive Lab Support – Full-service sample collection, analysis, and regulatory reporting to facilitate compliance and risk management.
Businesses operating water distribution, processing, and HVAC systems must implement Legionella testing and control measures to maintain regulatory compliance and prevent public health risks.
PBR Laboratories Inc. provides accurate, reliable, and accredited Legionella testing solutions tailored to the needs of healthcare, hospitality, industrial, and municipal sectors.
Email: pbr@pbr.ca
Phone: 1-780-450-3957
Choose PBR, Because Precision Matters. Defining Excellence in Laboratory Services Since 1984.
