08/07/2026
Remembering the Philadelphia Outbreak That Changed Water Safety Forever💧
In July 1976, right in our own backyard here in Philadelphia, a mysterious illness emerged that transformed public health and building safety forever. The outbreak led to the discovery of Legionella pneumophila, the bacteria responsible for Legionnaires' disease.
What makes Legionella unique? While it develops in water systems, it poses an airborne threat. When contaminated water is aerosolized, e.g. by cooling towers, HVAC systems, or showers, microscopic droplets are inhaled directly into the lungs. This makes proactive water safety a vital component of indoor air quality.
50 years later, we reflect on the lives impacted by that turning point and recognize how far water safety standards have come. What was once an unknown threat is now a preventable risk through proactive monitoring, effective engineering, and standard compliance.
At Criterion, protecting public health is at the very core of what we do. We help facility managers and property owners safeguard their buildings through:
✅ Comprehensive Water Management Plans (ASHRAE 188)
✅ Environmental Sample Collection & Risk Assessments
✅ Accredited Legionella Testing (including rapid qPCR & Culture analysis)
Water safety isn't just about compliance, it's about protecting the people in our communities.
🔒 Protect your facility and ensure peace of mind. Learn more about our Legionella testing services: criterionlabs.com/services/legionella-testing or call us at (215) 244-1300.
