What is the focus of the water system hazard analysis in relation to Legionella?

The focus of the water system hazard analysis in relation to Legionella is primarily to assess the potential for Legionella growth. This analysis is critical because Legionella bacteria thrive in specific conditions commonly found in water systems, such as warm water temperatures (between 77°F and 113°F), stagnant water conditions, and the presence of biofilm. By identifying situations where these conditions could promote growth, system managers can implement strategies to mitigate risks, such as maintaining water temperatures below optimal growth levels, ensuring proper flow rates to prevent stagnation, and regularly cleaning and disinfecting the system.

Other options, while relevant to water management, do not specifically address the risk factors associated with Legionella. For instance, determining health impacts focuses on the consequences of exposure to Legionella, which is a result of the hazard analysis rather than part of the analysis itself. Evaluating water pressure is important for the overall functioning of a plumbing system but does not directly relate to analyzing conditions that allow Legionella to proliferate. Installing new systems may help prevent hazards if properly designed, but it is not the core of the hazard analysis process aimed at understanding and mitigating existing risks. Thus, the emphasis remains on identifying and evaluating conditions favorable to Legionella growth to ensure effective management strategies are in