FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Association of Water Technologies Recognizes August as Legionella Awareness Month
AWT Encourages Building Owners to Prioritize Water Management and Protect Building Occupants
Madison, Wisconsin — August 4, 2026 — The Association of Water Technologies (AWT) is recognizing August as Legionella Awareness Month by encouraging building owners, facility managers, engineers, and water treatment professionals to renew their focus on building water safety and the importance of proactive water management.
Legionella is a naturally occurring bacterium that can grow in building water systems when conditions are favorable. If aerosolized water containing the bacteria is inhaled, it can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. While legionella occurs naturally in freshwater environments, effective building water management practices can significantly reduce the potential for its growth in man-made water systems.
“Proper legionella management begins long before a problem is identified,” said Matt Coffindaffer, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of the Association of Water Technologies. “Building owners who understand their water systems and implement sound water management practices are taking an important step toward protecting occupants and maintaining healthy facilities.”
Complex building water systems, including cooling towers, domestic hot water systems, decorative fountains, spas, and large plumbing networks, require regular monitoring, maintenance, and treatment to help control conditions that may promote legionella growth.
AWT encourages building owners and managers to:
- Review and maintain their building water management program.
- Work with qualified water treatment professionals to identify and manage system risks.
- Regularly inspect, monitor, and maintain building water systems.
- Train facility personnel on water management responsibilities.
- Document maintenance activities and verify that control measures are working as intended.
“As water treatment professionals, our members help facilities operate safer, more efficient building water systems every day,” Coffindaffer said. “Legionella Awareness Month provides an opportunity to educate building owners about the value of preventive water management and the role qualified professionals play in reducing risk.”
The Association of Water Technologies has long supported education, certification, and technical guidance related to building water systems. Through professional development opportunities and industry resources, AWT helps advance best practices that promote healthy, sustainable, and responsibly managed water systems.
To learn more about Legionella Awareness Month, download educational resources, or find an AWT member, visit www.awt.org/legionella.
About the Association of Water Technologies
The Association of Water Technologies (AWT) is an international trade association dedicated to advancing the science and practice of industrial and commercial water treatment. AWT supports water treatment professionals through education, certification, technical resources, and industry collaboration, helping members improve the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of building water systems. For more information, visit www.awt.org.
Media Contact
Association of Water Technologies
Email: info@awt.org
Website: www.awt.org
