Legionella Sampling Services for Commercial & Residential Drinking Water
Comprehensive Potable Water Testing, CDC ELITE & NYS ELAP Certified Laboratory Analysis, and Risk Mitigation
While Legionella bacteria are widely associated with HVAC cooling towers, industry experts estimate that the majority of Legionnaires’ disease cases originate in potable drinking water systems. Stagnant pipe runs, complex plumbing designs, fluctuating water temperatures, and sediment buildup in domestic hot water systems create ideal breeding grounds for Legionella.
Since 1925, Metro Group has served as a trusted partner in water treatment, testing, and compliance. Our dedicated technicians collect potable water samples from industrial facilities, commercial properties, healthcare buildings, and multi-family residential buildings, analyzing them in our in-house, fully accredited laboratory.
Why Is Legionella Sampling Crucial for Potable Water?
Legionella multiplies rapidly in water temperatures between 68°F and 122°F (20°C–50°C). When contaminated drinking water is aerosolized through showerheads, sink faucets, decorative fountains, or humidifiers, occupants can inhale microscopic water droplets containing the bacteria. Did you know, even ice from commercial ice machines can contain Legionella and pose a risk?
Facilities Requiring Routine Potable Water Testing:
- Healthcare & Nursing Homes: Essential for NYS Article 28 compliance, JCAHO mandates, and CMS water safety requirements.
- Commercial & Multi-Family Residential: Critical for tenant safety, risk management, and property reputation.
- Hotels & Hospitality: High-risk environments due to fluctuating occupancy rates and expansive plumbing networks.
- Educational Institutions & Childcare: Required for maintaining safe drinking water standards across campuses.
Comprehensive Drinking Water Legionella Testing Services
Our turnkey Legionella sampling and lab analysis programs ensure your facility meets strict health codes while mitigating liability.
- Tailored Sampling Plans & Fixture Audits
Our field technicians identify key risk locations across your potable water system:- Hot water storage tanks and recirculation loops
- High-risk fixtures (showerheads, bathroom faucets)
- Specialized equipment (ice machines, eyewash stations, misting equipment)
- Strict Sample Collection Protocols
All technicians are trained in sampling data integrity and ethics, a requirement of our laboratory’s certifications, and subject to independent third-party audits. - In-House CDC ELITE & NYS ELAP Accredited Lab
Samples are processed internally at our state-of-the-art laboratory. We utilize industry-standard culture testing (ISO/CDC protocols) to detect and quantify Legionella colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU/mL), identifying species and serogroups including Legionella pneumophila, the species most associated with human illness. - Actionable Guidance & Immediate Remediation
Since testing alone does not solve water quality challenges, Metro Group provides a complete solution. Our team not only collects and analyzes samples through our accredited laboratory, but also interprets results, recommends corrective actions, and performs remediation and disinfection services in the field. From targeted Legionella remediation and distal outlet sterilization to system-wide hyperchlorination and permanent supplemental disinfection systems, we deliver comprehensive solutions that help reduce water quality risks, support regulatory compliance, and strengthen overall water management programs.
Regulatory Compliance Guidance
Our Legionella sampling programs align with leading industry standards and state health codes:
- ASHRAE Standard 188: Legally recognized framework for Legionellosis risk management in building water systems.
- NYS Department of Health (NYSDOH) Article 28: Mandated Legionella management plans and routine verification sampling for healthcare and residential care facilities.
- CDC Water Management Plan Guidelines: Protocols for routine environmental sampling in building water systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Legionella Sampling
How often should commercial drinking water be sampled for Legionella?
Sampling frequency depends on facility type and regulatory mandates. Healthcare facilities operating under NYS Article 28 or ASHRAE 188 guidelines often require quarterly or annual testing. Higher-risk facilities or those undergoing water system modifications should conduct Legionella sampling more frequently as part of their Water Management Plan.
What is the difference between CDC ELITE and NYS ELAP lab certifications?
- CDC ELITE (Environmental Legionella Isolation Techniques Evaluation) certification verifies that a laboratory specializes in accurately isolating and quantifying Legionella species.
- NYS ELAP (Environmental Laboratory Approval Program) ensures compliance with strict New York State environmental analysis standards. The Metro Group holds both certifications, guaranteeing legally defensible test results.
What happens if my water samples test positive for Legionella?
If Legionella is detected above acceptable action thresholds, our field engineering team provides an immediate corrective action plan. Options include point-of-use (POU) filtration, hyper-chlorination or installation of long-term supplemental disinfection equipment.
Partner with The Metro Group for Drinking Water Safety
Protect your building occupants and ensure compliance with NYC, NYS, and NJ water safety regulations. Contact our drinking water service specialists today to schedule a site evaluation or set up a routine sampling program.
Call (718) 729-7200 or submit a request online for a custom quote.
More information: Is Legionella Testing Required?
