Legionnaires' disease prevention in water cooling systems

The water cooling systems are one of the main sources of growth of the bacteria Legionella. Southern Spain (Autonomous Community of Andalusia, Malaga) offers industrial and tourist sites with highrisk devices and a large influx of people. The analysis of the degree of control and water disinfection is presented as a preventive indicator against the development of the biological agent, included in national legislation. Through a descriptive study and use of nonparametric tests, is concluded that regulation compliance is higher in the studied systems than in other facilities at risk. There are deficiencies in preventive maintenance of the devices water quality, so there is a serious risk to the exposed population.