What should be done when Legionella serogroup 6 is found in a domestic water system during a building assessment?

When Legionella serogroup 6 is identified in a domestic water system, taking action to remediate the situation is crucial. Engaging a water treatment company for remediation is the appropriate response because they specialize in managing and eliminating Legionella bacteria from water systems. This typically involves implementing a comprehensive water management plan that may include disinfecting the water supply, adjusting temperatures to minimize bacterial growth, and treating the system with biocides as needed to ensure the safe operation of the plumbing system.

Monitoring and controlling Legionella bacteria is essential to prevent potential outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease, which can occur when contaminated water is aerosolized and inhaled. Simply conducting regular sampling without taking action does not mitigate the risk, as it does not address the existing presence of the bacteria in the water system. Moreover, replacing the entire plumbing system (while a potential solution in severe cases) would be an extreme and costly measure that may not be warranted solely based on the presence of one serogroup. Ignoring the results, especially in the presence of potential health risks, is not a prudent course of action either.