We are proudly certified by the CDC Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation (ELITE) Program and accredited by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP), ensuring our high standards and expertise in Legionella testing. Please contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Legionella is a type of bacterium found naturally in freshwater environments, like lakes and streams. It can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in building water systems like:

  • Showerheads and sink faucets
  • Cooling towers (structures that contain water and a fan as part of centralized air cooling systems for building or industrial processes)
  • Decorative fountains and water features
  • Hot water tanks and heaters
  • Large plumbing systems

Stagnant, or standing, water can cause conditions that increase risk for Legionella and other biofilm-associated bacteria.

Fast Facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

  • Legionella can cause Legionnaires’ disease, Pontiac fever, and, more rarely, extrapulmonary infections, collectively known as legionellosis.
  • Scientists named the bacterium after an outbreak in Philadelphia in 1976. During that outbreak, many people who went to an American Legion convention got sick with pneumonia (lung infection).
  • Health departments reported nearly 10,000 cases of Legionnaires’ disease in the United States in 2018. However, because Legionnaires’ disease is likely underdiagnosed, this number may underestimate the true incidence.
  • About one in 10 people who gets sick from Legionnaires’ disease will die.
  • People can get Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac fever when they breathe in small droplets of water in the air that contain Legionella.
  • In general, people do not spread Legionnaires’ disease to other people. However, this may be possible under rare circumstances.
  • Legionella occurs naturally in fresh water environments, like lakes and streams. It can become a health concern when it grows and spreads in building water systems.
  • Keeping Legionella out of water systems in buildings is key to preventing infection.