434 Encore Interview with Patsy Root

Scaling UP! H2O

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"Rules written in a panic rarely stand the test of time."

In this encore episode, Trace Blackmore welcomes back Patsy Root, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at IDEXX Water and active member of the AWT Legislative and Regulatory Committee. Patsy brings global data, case studies, and clear recommendations for smarter Legionella regulation — and why a targeted focus on Legionella pneumophila can save both lives and resources.

From Outbreaks to Proactive Policies

Patsy unpacks a central truth: most regulations emerge reactively, often after a high-profile outbreak. Drawing on her research from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, she compares different jurisdictions' approaches — from Quebec's targeted testing mandate to New York City's broader species-based rule — and reveals why some frameworks reduce cases far more effectively than others.

The Case for Targeted Testing

Legionella encompasses around 60 species, but not all carry equal risk. Patsy explains why L. pneumophila — the species most responsible for Legionnaires' disease — demands priority in monitoring and control. Through examples from France, Germany, the UK, and beyond, she demonstrates how focusing on the pathogen itself, rather than all species, leads to measurable public health gains and cost savings.

Educating Lawmakers and Industry

Beyond technical data, Patsy emphasizes the importance of water professionals engaging with legislators. She outlines how clear communication, evidence-based recommendations, and standards like ASHRAE 188 can guide practical, enforceable rules. Her advice balances science with real-world feasibility, helping both regulators and facility managers protect health without unnecessary expense.

This conversation is more than a policy discussion — it's a blueprint for better public health protection through smart, focused water management. Whether you work in compliance, operations, or advocacy, Patsy's insights will equip you to engage in the legislative process with clarity and authority.

Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!

Timestamps

01:52 - Trace opens with Legionella Awareness Month reflections and the importance of challenging industry assumptions

05:38 - Water You Know with James McDonald

07:13 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals

09:47 - Introduction to guest Patsy Root, Senior Manager of Government Affairs at IDEXX Water and member of AWT's Legislative & Regulatory Committee.

17:31 - Global comparison of Legionella-related laws and guidelines

27:03 - Understanding Legionella species vs. L. pneumophila

44:42 - Legislative engagement tips for water professionals

Quotes

"The worst time to write a rule is when you're in the middle of a panic."

"Finding Legionella species is not the same risk level as finding L. pneumophila — and the data prove it."

"Keep the hot water hot, keep the cold water cold, keep the water moving, and keep a decent disinfectant."

"Biology fascinates me — the fact that bacteria can signal each other to come join a good spot is both creepy and amazing."

"When lawmakers understand how preventable this disease is, they can become champions for real change."

Connect with Patsy Root

Phone: 207-523-0835

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.idexx.com/en/water/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/idexx-laboratories/

Guest Resources Mentioned

CDC Toolkit: Developing a Legionella Water Management Program

IDEXX Legiolert® Testing Method

IDEXX's Why test for Legionella pneumophila to prevent Legionnaires' disease?

Data and Case Study of Effective Legionella Regulations by Patsy Root

NASEM's Management of Legionella in Water Systems (2019)

MD 15161 – 2013 Control of Legionella in Mechanical Systems

Assessment of monitoring approaches to control Legionella pneumophila within a complex cooling tower system by Michele Prevost et al

The Legionella collagen-like protein employs a distinct binding mechanism for the recognition of host glycosaminoglycans by Garnett et al

The 5 bacterial indicators used by WHO were published in 2013 by Dufour et al

The 5 bacterial indicators used by WHO covered by KWR Publication starting on Page 54 – Section 7.4.4.

Canada Legionella bacteria control in federal buildings

Leveraging regulatory monitoring data for quantitative microbial risk assessment of Legionella pneumophila in cooling towers

NYC Data Catalog about Cooling Tower Registrations

NYC Health's Cooling Tower Registration and Maintenance

Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned

AWT (Association of Water Technologies)

AWT's Legislative/Regulatory Committee

Submit a Show Idea

The Rising Tide Mastermind

403 Navigating the New Frontier: Patsy Root on Legionella Legislation

Scaling UP! H2O's Legionella Resources Library

ASHRAE Standard-188-2021, Building Water Management Plans – Summary

Water You Know with James

Question: What is the mass balance around a cooling tower?

2025 Events for Water Professionals

Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.

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