Phosphate drinking water softeners promote Legionella growth

Phosphate-based drinking water softeners are commonly used to prevent scale formation in drinking water distribution infrastructure. The main reason for drinking water softening is primarily economic (protection of pipes and extension of equipment life), while the health aspect of such treatment is usually neglected. The aim of this work is to investigate the effects of phosphate-based drinking water softeners on growth stimulation of Legionella pneumophila. Bacterial growth was observed at two different phosphate concentrations. On average, an increase in growth of 1.19-1.28 log CFU/mL was observed in selected samples with added phosphates compared with the control. The results of the in vitro experiment confirmed that the added phosphates stimulate the growth of L. pneumophila; growth stimulation could therefore be expected in drinking water distribution systems (DWDS) when phosphates are used as well. The availability of phosphorus in DWDS may be a crucial limiting factor for biofouling control. Consequently, phosphate-based chemicals for drinking water should be avoided or used with prudence, especially in drinking water with high concentrations of other nutrients.