Monochloramine for Remediation of Legionella Only in Domestic Hot Water Systems: An Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove

Abstract

Monochloramine is a well-known disinfectant for drinking water with several advantages over chlorine and chlorine dioxide. With these two biocides, monochloramine is included in the US-EPA list of disinfectants for drinking water. At the beginning of XXI century, epidemiological studies demonstrated its superior ability to control Legionella in hot water health-care premises. In 2005 a research program started to set up a reliable and effective method to produce monochloramine directly in domestic hot water systems, at the safest concentration and without accumulation of by-products. Results of these researches, which has been carried out with the collaboration of Italian and American Institutions showed that monochloramine can be safely and reliably prepared and that it is the best approach to Legionella remediation in health-care facilities.