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Chris Nancrede, EIT, ASSE 12080, presented Legionella Control for Plumbing Designers and Engineers at the October 2026 chapter meeting of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) in Chicago.
The presentation explored how plumbing designers and engineers can help reduce Legionella risk through informed design decisions and innovative approaches to controlling bacterial growth in building water systems.
Chris discussed two chemical-free approaches to Legionella control: dissolved oxygen reduction and charged-membrane filtration. Dissolved oxygen reduction uses membrane technology to lower oxygen levels in circulating hot water systems, creating conditions less favorable for Legionella growth. Charged-membrane filtration uses specialized membranes at the building water entrance to capture Legionella and other microorganisms before they enter the plumbing system.
These approaches offer alternatives to methods that rely on adding oxidizing chemicals to building water systems. Chris also discussed how chemical-free technologies can complement established Legionella control strategies, including ultraviolet (UV) treatment, filtration, and chemical disinfection.
For plumbing designers and engineers, understanding these options is an important part of developing effective Legionella control strategies. By considering water quality, system design, and available treatment technologies early in the planning process, design professionals can help incorporate appropriate risk-reduction measures into building water systems.
Chris’s presentation highlighted the value of evaluating multiple approaches to Legionella control and integrating complementary technologies to support long-term water quality and occupant health.
