National Safety Month is observed every June to emphasize the importance of safety in various environments. Water safety, particularly in preventing Legionnaire's disease, is a critical and often underestimated threat.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports a 900 percent increase in Legionnaire's disease cases in the past decade in the United States. *

Legionnaires' disease is spread by inhaling Legionella bacteria. However, we cannot contract the disease by drinking water contaminated with the bacteria.

Instead, what happens is the Legionella bacteria develop in stagnant water. If it becomes aerosolized, it is suspended in the air and then inhaled. This is how we contract the disease.

The CDC explains that some of the most common areas where Legionella develops are the following:

·        Showerheads and sink faucets.

·        Hot tubs and whirlpools.

·        Hot water tanks.

·        Complex plumbing systems

·        Cooling towers.

·        Fountains and humidifiers.

·        Public restrooms

The stagnant water, mixed with ambient temperatures, creates an environment highly conducive to the growth of Legionella. As to how Legionnaires' disease spreads in public restrooms, the culprit is flushing.

 A March 2021 study found that "both toilets and urinals when flushed, generate large quantities of droplets small enough to be inhaled. These droplets can pose a significant transmission risk if they contain infectious micro-organisms such as Legionella." **

Furthermore, these droplets can remain suspended at up to five feet for 20 seconds or longer.

So, what can be done about this?

As to preventing the spread of Legionella in public restrooms, Reichardt suggests the following:

• Increase ventilation.

• Regular flushing tests should be conducted to measure contamination levels.

• Select no-water urinals; there is no flushing with waterless urinals.

• Increase restroom cleaning frequencies and always wear a mask.

One thing proving unnecessary is installing toilet seat lids. Studies now indicate droplets escape through the gaps under the lid, providing only minimal protection.

Klaus Reichardt is CEO and founder of Waterless Co, Inc., a pioneer in advancing water efficiency. Reichardt is a frequent author and presenter who discusses water conservation issues. He can be reached at klaus@waterless.com

*2000 t0 2018.

** "Aerosol Generation in Public Restrooms," by Jesse H. Schreck et al., published online by AIP Publishing, March 22, 2021.