Legionella Regulations: What Building Owners Need to Know

Close-up of legionella bacteria under a microscope

Legionella regulations have expanded significantly over the past decade as public health agencies respond to Legionnaires disease outbreaks linked to building water systems. For building owners, facility managers, and operators, the focus is no longer just on water treatment—it is on documented water management programs, routine monitoring, and clear control measures to reduce Legionella risk. […]

Glycol Cooling Systems: How They Work and When to Use Them

Insulated piping in a closed loop water system showing valves, gauges, and components used to maintain water quality, prevent corrosion, and improve efficiency.

A glycol cooling system is a closed loop system that uses a glycol water mixture as a heat transfer fluid to provide freeze protection and stable temperature control. These systems are widely used in industrial cooling applications, HVAC systems, and food processing where maintaining temperature in low temperature environments is critical. Glycol cooling systems allow […]

Legionella Detection Methods for Building Water Systems

Cooling towers releasing mist, highlighting the need for effective legionella treatment to prevent bacteria growth.

Legionella detection is a critical part of managing water safety in building water systems, cooling towers, and plumbing systems. Legionella bacteria—particularly Legionella pneumophila—can grow in man made water systems and create a health risk when aerosolized water is inhaled, potentially leading to Legionnaires disease or Pontiac fever. For facility operators, the goal is not just […]

Types of Corrosion in Water Systems and How to Prevent Them

Galvanic corrosion visible on an industrial pipe flange connection showing severe metal loss and rust caused by dissimilar metal corrosion, where stainless steel and galvanized steel as two metals are electrically connected and undergo galvanic corrosion by forming a galvanic cell in the presence of moisture, illustrating how zinc coatings sacrifice to protect steel according to the galvanic series, similar to corrosion behavior seen in an aluminium hull, with corrosion rates influenced by different metals, iron supports, electrolyte exposure, and relative surface area between connected components.

Corrosion is one of the most common and costly problems in water systems. Understanding the different types of corrosion is critical for facility operators managing cooling towers, boiler systems, and closed loop water systems. Corrosion occurs when a chemical or electrochemical reaction causes a metal surface to deteriorate, leading to reduced performance, leaks, and potential […]

What Is Glycol Used for in HVAC Systems?

Cooling tower system on industrial rooftop, showing warm air exhaust from cooling towers and fan-coil units of air cooled chillers.

Glycol is commonly used in HVAC systems as a heat transfer fluid to provide freeze protection and maintain stable operation in heating and cooling applications. In many closed loop HVAC systems, glycol solutions are mixed with water to prevent freezing in low temperature environments while still allowing effective heat transfer through heat exchangers and system […]

Boiler Water Testing: Key Parameters and Why It Matters

Industrial boiler system and steam piping illustrating steam quality and steam distribution performance

Boiler water testing is a critical part of maintaining safe, efficient operation of steam boilers and hot water boiler systems. A consistent boiler water test program helps operators control water chemistry, prevent corrosion and scale formation, and avoid costly downtime in industrial facilities. In practice, boiler water testing is not just about running a single […]

Water Quality Monitoring: Methods, Equipment, and Best Practices

Industrial water treatment system with connected monitoring equipment and valves.

Water quality monitoring is essential for maintaining safe, efficient, and compliant operation of water systems across industrial facilities, cooling towers, boilers, and closed loop systems. Effective water quality monitoring programs allow operators to track water quality parameters, detect changes early, and maintain control over system performance. Whether applied to drinking water, wastewater, or industrial process […]

What Is Chlorine Dioxide Solution and How Is It Used in Water Treatment?

Industrial piping and chemical handling system associated with chlorine dioxide production and sodium chlorite use, showing infrastructure where sodium chlorite solutions may generate chlorite ions during industrial processes, distinct from consumer misuse of toxic substances such as drink miracle mineral solution or master mineral solution. The food and drug administration has warned consumers and the food and drug administration continues to caution that chlorite ions and chlorite ions exposure from miracle mineral supplement products are linked to dehydration acute liver failure, hemolytic anemia, respiratory failure, and other health risks when misused, especially outside regulated industrial systems using cold water dilution and controlled conditions.

Chlorine dioxide solution is a widely used disinfectant in water treatment applications, including drinking water, cooling towers, and industrial water systems. It is valued for its ability to control harmful bacteria, reduce odor, and improve overall water quality without producing the same byproducts as traditional chlorine. At the same time, chlorine dioxide has become associated […]

Chlorine Dioxide Sterilization: How It Works for Water System Disinfection

Modern hospital operating room with surgical table, overhead lights, and sterile stainless steel equipment storage

Chlorine dioxide sterilization is a widely used sterilization process for controlling bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms in both industrial water systems and medical device sterilization environments. Unlike chlorine, chlorine dioxide is a highly effective oxidizing agent that can eliminate microbial contamination without forming large amounts of chlorinated organic byproducts. Chlorine dioxide sterilization is used across […]

Legionella Lawsuits: Causes, Liability, and How Facilities Can Reduce Risk

Legionella lawsuits are increasingly tied to Legionnaires disease outbreaks linked to contaminated water systems in commercial and industrial facilities. When Legionella bacteria grow in cooling towers, plumbing systems, or other building water systems, exposure can result in serious illness, legal claims, and significant liability for building owners and responsible parties. Understanding how Legionnaires disease occurs—and […]