Which type of drinking fountain is likely to be more prone to Legionella growth due to its design?

The answer identifies bottle fillers with carbon filters as more prone to Legionella growth due to their design. This is plausible because carbon filters can create an environment that may foster bacterial growth if they are not properly maintained or changed regularly. The presence of stagnant water or organic material trapped within the filter media can provide nutrients that support the proliferation of Legionella bacteria.

Bubbler fountains, on the other hand, typically have a simpler design with a direct water source, and they do not contain the same filter elements that can potentially harbor bacteria. The flowing water in bubblers is less likely to allow water to become stagnant, reducing the risk of contamination.

Overall, the design of bottle fillers, which may include features allowing water to sit for periods of time, combined with the potential accumulation of biofilm in carbon filters, makes them more susceptible to Legionella growth compared to bubbler fountains. Proper maintenance and regular servicing are crucial for minimizing risks in both types of drinking fountains, but the design elements of bottle fillers can inherently create conditions favorable for Legionella proliferation if not managed effectively.