Dipping Outlines Why Everyone Should Care About the Dangers of Legionella

Writing for Plumbing & Mechanical Engineer magazine, ESD Technical Director for Plumbing Engineering James Dipping presents a series of facts everyone—especially plumbing professionals—should know to keep water safe.

In his July 2022 column titled “The facts about Legionella, and why we should care,” Dipping outlines the facts surrounding the increase in Legionella in building water supplies. He says this can lead to the spread of Legionnaires’ disease where one out of every 10 people diagnosed will likely die due to complications from their illness. According to Dipping, If Legionella grows in a plumbing system, the bacteria can spread to humans via small droplets and/or vapor inhaled into the lungs. He says common sources where these droplets are “made” include showerheads, sink faucets, hot tubs, and more.

Dipping believes it is up to plumbing engineering professionals to answer the call to be part chemist and microbiologist as they fulfill their design responsibilities. As plumbing engineers, Dipping says “(I)t is imperative we constantly try to learn as much as possible about this threat and about the options available to reduce the risk.” Dipping says while there is never a guarantee of the complete elimination of waterborne pathogens, substantially reducing that risk should be the goal.

James Dipping brings more than two decades of experience to his role as technical director, plumbing engineering. He freely shares his knowledge with other industry professionals to further ESD’s mission to improve society through the built environment.

For more information on how our engineers can help with your project or how plumbing engineering may impact your facility, reach out to ESD’s Plumbing Engineering team.