Global Hyperscaler Reduces Legionella Positivity Rates at Two Data Centers with Adiabatic Cooling Systems

The Problem

A global hyperscaler managing data centers across the United States was struggling with high rates of Legionella in the adiabatic cooling units at two sites.

One of the sites, which runs approximately 150 adiabatic units, uses 100% reclaimed water for cooling makeup. Impurities in reclaimed water increase the chances for Legionella, making treatment at this data center particularly challenging.

The ChemTreat team was asked to develop a treatment solution to help personnel at both sites reduce Legionella positivity rates.

The Results

After evaluating the adiabatic systems at both locations, ChemTreat designed and implemented a unique biocide program for treating Legionella. 

Both data centers saw a dramatic reduction in Legionella rates after implementing our biocide program.

• 93% reduction in Legionella positivity rate at the facility using reclaimed makeup water.
• 76% reduction in Legionella positivity rate at the other facility, which uses approximately 400 adiabatic cooling units.

Lowering Legionella positivity rates helped the data centers reduce system downtime needed for remediation treatment, enhancing system availability.

Pleased with the results, the data center company continued using the program and began adopting it at other facilities.

_{Results are examples only. They are not guaranteed. Actual results may vary.}