Department of Health

Victoria’s regulatory framework for Legionella

People usually contract Legionnaires’ diseaseExternal Link by breathing in Legionella bacteria in very fine droplets of water called aerosols. Artificial water systems, including showers, spa pools, fountains, car washes and cooling towers, may provide environments that allow Legionella bacteria to multiply in large numbers. Legionella can then be spread by aerosols.

The risk of Legionnaires’ disease can be reduced by ensuring the growth of Legionella bacteria is controlled in systems such as spas, hot water systems and cooling towers.

Cooling tower systems and water delivery systems are regulated by the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008, and the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019.

Reviewed 22 May 2021

Health.vic

Contact details

Our phone service is available Monday to Friday, from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Postal address: GPO Box 4057, Melbourne Vic 3001

Legionella team

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