At what temperature range can Legionella bacteria grow?

Legionella bacteria thrive and multiply best within a temperature range of 77 to 112 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is optimal for their growth because it is warm enough to support their metabolism and replication without being so hot that it becomes inhospitable. In HVAC systems, particularly in water systems and cooling towers, maintaining awareness of this temperature range is crucial for preventing Legionella proliferation, as it is the basis for controlling the risk of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia caused by these bacteria.

Understanding this growth temperature can help technicians implement preventive measures and maintain systems at temperatures that inhibit growth, ensuring a safer environment in both residential and commercial settings. This knowledge is essential in HVAC practices, especially in systems involving water, where stagnation and warmth can create ideal conditions for the bacteria to flourish.