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Legionella Awareness Month Kickoff! Guest Name: Trace Blackmore
Episode 431
Are You Ready to Talk About Legionella?
Every August, we dedicate an entire month to a topic that touches public health, liability, and the core of what water treaters do — yet it’s still misunderstood by many: Legionella.
In this episode, Trace Blackmore kicks off Legionella Awareness Month by returning to the basics. Where did Legionella get its name? What makes it dangerous? And why is there still confusion between a water treatment program and a water management plan?
Tracing It Back: History, Misconceptions, and Missed Conversations
Trace opens with the 1976 American Legion outbreak in Philadelphia — the moment the medical and water treatment worlds collided. He explains how the bacteria was identified, how the term Legionella pneumophila came to be, and how Pontiac Fever and Legionnaires’ Disease represent two ends of the same pathogenic spectrum.
But more importantly, he challenges us to think critically about the language we use. Saying “Legionella” casually — without understanding whether we’re referring to the bacteria, the illness, or the implications of a test result — can lead to major breakdowns in communication between service providers and facility managers.
A Water Treatment Program Is Not a Legionella Plan
Many professionals know how to deliver great chemical treatment. But too often, when a Legionella test comes back positive, the customer assumes the water treater is responsible. This episode explains how that misunderstanding happens—and how to prevent it through proactive, well-framed conversations.
Trace walks through why seasonal testing is the bare minimum, what makes a good water management team, and why documentation and pre-approved action plans are essential for clarity and peace of mind when results come in.
He also introduces tools like the CDC Legionella Toolkit, ASHRAE 188, and ASSE 12080—resources every industrial water professional should know and use.
The Systems at Risk — And Why It’s Not Just Cooling Towers
Trace breaks down the environments where Legionella thrives cooling towers, stagnant pipes, dead legs, hot water systems with low temperatures, decorative fountains, humidifiers, and spas. He highlights why biofilm protection matters, why heat isn’t always enough, and how mixing valves and plumbing design can support both safety and scald prevention.
You’ll hear how real-world scenarios unfold—and how one positive test, without the right planning, can lead to panic, blame, and liability risk for everyone involved.
Legionella isn't just a technical issue — it's a human one. Whether you’re in the field, managing accounts, or advising clients, this episode offers practical tools and powerful reminders for having the conversations that count.
The professionals who lead these conversations are the ones building trust, avoiding risk, and elevating the industry.
Listen to the full episode and explore the Legionella Resource Library at Legionella Resources.
Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!
Timestamps
02: 12 – Trace opens the episode with an overview of Legionella Awareness Month
08:47 – Legionella vs. Legionellosis
15:51 – The Miscommunication That Hurts Trust
27:13 – Where Legionella Hides
28:14 – Key Resources
33:22 – Water You Know with James McDonald
34:47– Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals
Quotes
“Cooling towers are guilty until proven innocent — and that’s how the industry sees them.”
“Legionella is not your responsibility unless you've set the right expectations in writing.”
“Don’t wait until a te
Published on 1 month, 3 weeks ago